"A Personal Note"

In Romans 8:28 the Word says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Duane and I know with no doubts that we are in the will of God here in North Luzon, Philippines. This is where God has placed us for His service and here we will serve Him. I would like to share a personal note with you. I have a prayer request so please be patient with me on trying to write this. I went to the Doctor here in our city just for a regular woman's checkup. The Doctor said since I was 50 she would like to do a ultrasound with my mammogram. (They got a new ultrasound machine and were so excited to have it so they were using on anyone who would agree). So I said that would be great, never expecting to find anything wrong. They found a tumor in my left breast. They have told me Stage one breast cancer. After consulting a Doctor in the states as well as my Doctor here both agree don't wait for removal. Get it out now! So I am going to the surgeon Monday, July 28 at 3:00pm (Philippine time) for scheduling surgery for the removal of the tumor at St. Luke's Medical Center in Manila. Please pray for me and Duane. We will be victorious in this and will just be stronger in the Lord and His work here in the Philippines. Insurance from the states can not be used in this hospital and the cost will be approx. p100,000 for hospital and doctor. Which is about $3000. We know that God is in control and will give us direction in this also. Thank you for all you prayers and I know we will be triumphant. We serve a mighty and wonderful God!
Your Sister in Christ, Diane

"Come Walk With Me"

Come walk with me into a place where you feel like you have been set back in time. I have a lady that come and helps me in my home two days a week. She came on Tuesday and told us that her daughter-in-law had gone into labor in the early hours of the morning and delivered a little baby boy. I immediately got ready and went with her to the hospital to see about the baby and mother. I had never been in the maternity ward of our Regional hospital here in our city, and my first time was a time of an everlasting experience. I have been in other parts of this hospital and they are equally heartbreaking. But when you see mothers laying on beds with just a bottom sheet and nothing to cover their selves and the heat will take your breath away. If they have anything to eat or drink it has to be brought in by the family. Some of the women had not had water to drink all day. I know it is just a way of life here, but a way that will just break your heart. I knew that this had to be an outreach ministry for W.I.N. I will start by going into the ward and visiting with the new mothers and praying with the ones who will allow me to and take water for their physical bodies and then give them the "Living Water". Jesus said, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a wel of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14) If I could just help them all here in the North Luzon, Philippines. I know if I can help and touch one at the time I have made a difference. With all the prayers and support you give to us, every life changed and the difference made in their lives, you are with us and have a part of this ministry. Thank you so much for trusting us as we trust Jesus Christ for guidance and watching to see where He is working and go to Him without haste. God Bless you all! And remember always "see with new eyes" God's compassion. (Please read the next post, I have something to share with you that is very personal) Your Sister in Christ, Diane

The Feet of An Old Woman

There is an old woman that lives in my neighborhood, her age is to be about 90. She walks bent over, her feet have widened from the lack of shoes and the many miles walked and hard work in the rice fields. Her toes are twisted on top of each other. But yet she goes to the market every morning to but rice for her daily meal. I have started giving her rice once a month and opening the way to witness to her. Pray that she will accept Christ. I look at her and see my 97 year old grandmother that is still living and I want to take care of this lady like I pray someone is caring for my grandmother. My grandmother is one of the strongest Christian women I have ever known. Pray for her, Tina Boyanton. At 97 she is still a witness for her Christ.

The Tears of a Mother

A little boy that was in our Good News class was killed. This little boy was always eager to learn. The family is catholic but the mother wanted more for her son than she had in life. She felt that her son learning about this Jesus Christ would be a better life for her son. I was concerned that when we went to visit the family after the boy died, the family would somehow blame us Baptist for what happened. But with the tears of the mother she told us "thank you" for making a change in her son's life. Because of the example this little boy was, made a difference in all the children. Now they all want to learn about "Jesus Christ" the Savior that Michael is with. The death of Michael was tragic but the Lord's always in control. Michael's mother is now a born-again believer. The tears of a mother, from tears of grief to tears of joy, what a testimony!

"Come Walk with Me"

June, 2008 Prayer Letter
"Come Walk with Me" this month up a road to a place where a tribe of people have migrated to outside of the city. These are mountain people, different from the ones I shared with you last time. Our ministry is very diverse. We minister to the low land people and the mountain people. This is a settlement of people, what we would call squatters. Duane and I have been in a lot of different situations here but we both agree this is the worst we have seen. Just when we think we have seen it all, God humbles us and proves to us there is much more for us to do. Our Ministry is not only diverse but vast. In this new area of ministry there are approximately 55 children. Most of the children have no shoes (slippers is what they prefer to wear). We call them flip flops. W.I.N. has started a project there from a idea from one of the ladies of one of our supporting churches. That project is were are having a day of fun and during that day we will be drawing every child's foot on a piece of paper and putting their name inside the foot. That way I can take every paper and measure for slippers to be distributed to the children. A young man that God has put in our life is now the national Pastor of our mission, Shining Light Baptist Mission, adn he is the one that opened the way for us in this settlement. He has started a Bible Study there and the people are eager to learn the truth of Jesus. Pastor Sante will be helping us with the day of fun. This day will be a humbling day. I can't wait to share it with you all next Prayer Letter.
I am "Seeing With New Eyes" God's Compassion every where I look here. I pray the Lord will always let me see with new eyes were He is working.

"Come Walk with Me"

February, 2008 Prayer Letter
There is a need on every Island, in every Province, in every Barangay and in every city, town or barrio. But I want to share with you the need in our place. I want to share this with you because I want you to feel that you are here with me sharing th ministry. Share the joy and pain, the laughs and cries of the people. Because of your prayers and support, you are connected to these people. "Come Walk with Me" this month down a road to a place where there is no education for the children, no medical care for the families. Where they live so simple, in houses made with whatever they can find and dirt for floors. But yet they work hard for a few pisos just to have food for the family. "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." I Timothy 6:8
And content they are! But also very hungry to learn more about this man we are talking to them about "JESUS". We are working on starting a class to teach reading, because it is very difficult sharing the Bible with someone that cannot read any language. Most in the place I am taking you to this month have only a 2nd grade education. The small children have none. This a place down by the sea on the outskirts of the city. A place forgotten and neglected. A place where soon there will be many born-again believers. We are preparing to start a Bible Study there that will grow into a Church. The women's ministry is laying a foundation in this place that is opening hearts and doors for Bro. Duane to come in and plant a Church.
I am "Seeing With New Eyes" God's Compassion every where I look here. I pray that the Lord will always let me see with new eyes were He is working. Jeremiah was know as the weeping prophet. It is surprising that he could sing a song of hope in Lamentations 3:21-25. Something happened and Jeremiah saw, with new eyes, that each morning was an expression of God's faithfulness and compassion.

Where We Are Now

God called us to North Luzon, Philippines. After 21 years in the ministry God sends us to another country to serve Him. My husband, Duane, has been a Preacher/Pastor now Missionary for 24 years. Serving the Lord is our way of Life. The ministry is our life. Being a Missionary wife and having no children to raise, God has given me a responsibility and a ministry of my own under the authority of my husband. It is called W.I.N. "Women In Need". W.I.N. will be explained all through this Blog because this is what this Blog is about. I pray this Blog touches your heart and I pray that I can bring you into the Philippines with me as you read the words and view the pictures of our work here. My husband, Duane, has three missions in the mountains so W.I.N. has already been meeting the needs of the women and children in these areas.

My Family

My Husband and I was married on September 10, 1976. Our first son, Joshua Duane was born March 14, 1978; our second son, Justin William, April 16, 1980; our third son, Joel Ladd, August 15, 1982; and our fourth son, Jon Aaron, November 2, 1988. God has blessed us so much! Now we have two wonderful daughter-in-laws. Angie is married to Justin and they now have three beautiful little girls, Laken born on March 10, 2004; Lauren born on August 30, 2005; and Lacie born on February 7, 2007. Lindsey is married to Joel and they have one beautiful little girl, Presley born September 21, 2005. Our oldest son Joshua is now engaged to be married to Amanda. Please pray for our family, it is very hard for them while we are in the Philippines. See God called us after our family was grown. We have been in the ministry for 24 years and after 21 years God sends us to the mission field. We left behind everyone. But God is so gracious and He has supplied all of us so much grace and mercy. Our children grew up in the ministry and they know the importance and urgency of God work.