Flooding in Manila

On Saturday, September 26, 2009, Manila experienced it's worst flooding in history- 16 inches of rain in 24 hours. The report says the rain was twice as much as Katrina! We are so grateful for God's protection over us. Actually that day Nathaniel left early at 6am to teach at Febias for his Saturday graduate school class. We were all aware of the storm/typhoon but it was not anything of major category so we went ahead with our plans. Luke and Mabel left before 7am to go to Luke's swimming competition. We were afraid that it might be canceled due to the storm but the competition went on as planned despite the heavy rain and strong winds. Luke actually did well, he got 2 silver medals and 1 gold for his category- 9-10 year old male competitor. By the time we finished around lunch time the roads leading out to the main highway was already impassable. I tried to look for other side roads which I may take but all of them were chest to neck deep in water!

I took this video from my camera while it was pouring rain because I wanted you all to see the semi-truck that got stuck in the middle and as you can see the people taking a plunge in the deep water.

Luke and I waited on the side road while we prayed for God's miracle for the rain to stop and for us to be able to get back home. I tried to communicate with Nathaniel but the phone lines were busy. I was actually more worried for him because he drives an old, small Toyota car which has a habit of stopping/stalling. When I finally contacted him I told him where I was and asked if he was okay. He said that he was nearby and asked to meet at one of the side roads. I was really amazed because I can't quite figure out where he passed and how did he get there with all the flooded streets- my van couldn't even make it. But in God's providence he had a student who got a ride with him who knew the way through all these side roads and he guided him to where I was. It was an amazing providence. He parked his car on the side street and they got into the van and we ventured to plow through one of the flooded streets- about waist deep, praying that the van will not stall on us. By God's grace we made it and we were all rejoicing knowing that one of the hurdles is past. We didn't know the condition of the other streets but at least we were hopeful that we can make it. And we did! What an incredible ordeal to go through and to see God's hands protecting his children. Praise the Lord! We got back home thanking God for his goodness and mercy to us.

We arrived home and found out that our house was flooded- it just started flooding- we were thankful again that we were there to get all the books and furniture out of our study room/den and nothing was damaged. At first it was disheartening but then I got calls and sms text messages from friends and church members saying that their houses were flooded and most of their stuff were soaking wet and ruined. We heard many stories from friends and loved ones who were stranded on the streets for many hours. My niece had to sleep in her car on the side of the road overnight because there were no streets that were passable. We thank the Lord for keeping her safe. My sister and her daughter were stranded in another area and they were able to spend the night in a hotel. Many houses were flooded and vehicles were submerged in water. We have a member who lives in a low-lying area and her house was submerged.

On Sunday we canceled our Sunday School class to make way for a church-wide prayer meeting. We were amazed to see many people still attended despite the hardships and trials that they went through. Truly, we are humbled to see their love and devotion to the Lord. We see God's power over nature but we are reminded that God is in control of all things. Psalm 46 says that "He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Luke's baptism- August 30, 2009

Today, a son became a brother. We praise and thank the Lord for saving our son Luke and for the privilege it was to see him get baptized today. What was another blessing was the fact that Nathaniel baptized him.

There were 8 guys who got baptized and added to the church. Hallelujah!

Kids

What a blessing it was to see Noah stand in front of about 70 people at school and recite his Filipino poem. He has done well picking up the language and we're really thankful for his progress. Hopefully next year he can stay home and do homeschool.

Luke is now just doing homeschool. We finally decided that his Tagalog is going well and the reason for him going to school is to get proficient in the language. He is adjusting well to being at home most of the day and he loves the fact that now he can play basketball with dad more often.

Chloe continued to thrive being at home doing her kindergarten homeschooling. She started taking piano lessons along with the two boys every Friday.

It's been a joy to see them grow and mature. We look forward to the day when all of them will profess faith in Christ, be baptize and be part of the church.

Back to teaching at FEBIAS

It's been about two weeks now that I've been back to school teaching. In the picture with me is the president of FEBIAS College of Bible, Lito Carag. I have an easier load this semester which I'm really thankful for. I usually go in on Monday afternoons and Saturday mornings. The Lord has been good in blessing the school with more students. There was an increase in the graduate school enrollment of 20 students! Praise the Lord!

Back in the Philippines

We've been back home in the Philippines for a few days now and we're slowly trying to adjust back into the new time zone. The trip went well except for a delay in our layover in Japan. We didn't get in the airport in the Philippines until 2am on Wed., June 17. We felt bad for those who waited almost 5 hours for us to pick us up. May the Lord give them a measure of grace for waiting patiently for us.

The kids traveled well and as you can see Chloe's got her own roller bag (she insisted to carry one, which was much bigger and heavier than her). Thank you for your continued prayers for us.

50th Golden Wedding Anniversary!!

On June 12th, we were delighted to be able to witness and celebrate Nathaniel's parents 50th anniversary (to the day!). What a blessing it was to join them with many others to celebrate this joyous and momentous occasion.

Nathaniel's older brother, Garth, led the program and gave a wonderful presentation through slide show, mom and dad's story- from birth through growing years, through their salvation experience, through meeting each other and then their wedding day. He told us the story of their ministries and the people they have impacted in their lives.

Truly, God has been faithful to them.

FIRE Conference

Nathaniel attended the annual FIRE

(Fellowship of Independent

Reformed Evangelicals) conference in

Carmel, IN (near Indianapolis)

from May 18-21,2009. In the picture are some of the old GBC (Grace Bible Church) interns as well as the new seminary interns. Also represented are two of the elders at GBC along with their wife, Jim & Caroline Newheiser and Curt & Jen Arend.

During one of the sessions he was able to present our work in the Philippines. We're so grateful for the opportunity to share what the Lord is doing in that part of His vineyard.