W.I.N. "Women In Need"

Sister 2 Sister

2011-03-24T20:51:00.002+08:00

also check out my blog Sister 2 Sister...it is devotions and post sister 2 sister just like it says. It is linked on this blog. Please drop by and visit me there also.
Your Sister in Christ,

Diane

Getting Back on Track

2011-03-24T20:45:00.002+08:00

Well, I am getting back on track and back to work...so much to share, but I am getting it all together so I can share with you my work for the Lord in the Philippines. I am honored and humbled to be His servant.
Justin and his family are finally here and getting settled. Praise the Lord for that!!! We serve a great and wonderful God!!!
God Bless and keep you,

Diane

2011-02-26T22:52:00.001+08:00

I am getting back to my blogging...beginning March 3 I will be keeping updates on the ministry so you can follow me and my adventures.
Looking forward to blogging again.
Diane

Mission Now a Church!!

2010-04-11T09:52:00.004+08:00

During the month of March my son Justin and his family (wife, Angie and three precious little girls, Laken, Lauren and Laci) came to visit me. Justin is an ordained preacher and on deputation now to come to the Philippines as a missionary. During the time he was here, my sending church gave him the authority to organize Heritage Bible Baptist Mission (one of the missions Duane planted) to church status. This was an exciting time for me but a much more exciting time for the members of the mission. They were overjoyed that Justin, Pastor Duane's son would be the one to stand in his dad's place for the organization. Being able to share this glorious time with members of my home and sending church was wonderful but for it to be my son was joy unspeakable. And visiting with the grandchildren was great!!! I love being a "Granna".
Keep us in your prayers and Heritage Bible Baptist Church. The ministry is moving forward for the cause of Christ and the endeavor to expand His Kingdom.
Always in His Service,

Hospital Ministry

2010-04-11T09:10:00.010+08:00

I know it has been a while since my last post. I have been going through adjustments being on the field without Duane. It has been almost a year now, it sure does not feel like it.
This post is about the Hospital Ministry of the North Luzon Women and Children Hospital. This has been a life changing experience for me. I have been in many hospitals here in the Philippines and ministered to the women and children, but this one is different. I have been able to get up close and personal with the patients, nurses and doctors. Witnessing the birth of a child is seeing the hand of God and His miracles.
Each week we go into the hospital and pray with the patients and distribute tracts and John/Romans booklets. A Bible study is beginning with the nurses each week. We were able to put Bibles on each table by each bed and now the Pharmacy places tracts in each prescription bag. We give out Newborn Packs of cloth diapers, pins, blanket, etc. and always a tract and John/Romans booklet included. (part of the diapers have been donated by a young lady in the states, Hannah Senn) So many churches and individuals have blessed this ministry through their shipments of Bibles and supplies to me.
I will be posting more often now, thanks for being patient with me.
By God's most wonderful grace I am
Always in His Service

Thirty-Seven Hours Later!

2010-01-13T07:26:00.002+08:00

Well, I made it home! This trip was a good trip but the longest I have ever taken. Delays for ice, change of flight plan in air due to weather, and delay for fuel paperwork. But God is good and I made it home safe and sound. More safe than sound because I was so tired that I can say "I was not of sound mind for a few hours". I have had some sleep and now ready to go.
It was nice to have visitors through the day and many phone calls to welcome me home. The love and care of friends are priceless!

On My Way Back Home!!!

2010-01-08T03:07:00.003+08:00

On Sunday, January 10 at 9am I will be on my way back home to the Philippines. I am so excited!! I have spent time with my family, church family and friends. I have got to eat my pecan pancakes and now I am ready to go home. The ministry is about to expand beyond measure and I am looking forward to being a vessel for God to use in North Luzon, Philippines. During my visit in the states I had great meetings with Pastors and with BEAMS (a Bible Ministry) also and I am excited to see what God has in store for the ministry in North Luzon, the ministry that Duane and I began with God as our Leader and Guide. We are clay in the Potters Hands, just a vessel willing to be used. Pray for me as I travel home!

New Slideshow

2010-01-03T04:35:00.002+08:00

I Did Not Mean to Take So Long

2010-01-03T02:49:00.003+08:00

I know it has been a long time since my last post. It has been a very trying time. But when I am at my weakest God is my strength. And the work must go on for the Lord.
I have been very busy getting things settled in the Philippines. New work is beginning and two of the missions will become churches in the next couple of months and they will plant new missions. Three schools now depend on us for Bible study time each week. And we are preparing for our VBS's in 4 areas.
I am in the states for the holidays but will be returning to the Philippines on January 10. It is fixing to get busy, busy, busy! I am excited to see the Lord work in me and through me in North Luzon, Philippines. We serve a great and glorious God!!!

Devotion on "Having A Servant's Heart" - A Heart Like Jesus-

2009-06-26T21:44:00.008+08:00

Philippians 1:3-11
Thank You for Having A Servant's Heart!

Last weeks devotion was on "Willing Service". This week a short devotion on "Loving Service"

Loving Service

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Galatians 5:13-14

Luke 22:27
John 10:18

The difference between servitude and servant hood is the difference between have to and get to.
Servitude is imposed from the outside; servant hood grows from an inner identity, a core commitment to do what’s best for those I serve.
Jesus’ death on the cross illustrates true servant hood. Scripture tells us that He gave up His life for us “of his own accord.” The sinless Son of God freely laid down His life so that we could receive the gift of eternal life – life forever with Him.

Jesus loved. And in love, He served.
Jesus’ followers, in turn, served Him and one another with hearts inspired, hearts set ablaze by His love. They serve with a heart like Jesus’ own heart. Some led and some followed, but all did what they did with servant’s hearts.

May the Holy Spirit open your eyes to see Jesus’ love in all its splendour! And may that love inspire us in more loving service!

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” John 15:9

"Come Walk With Me"

2009-06-19T11:28:00.002+08:00

I would like to take this time to share with you about a woman I met with breast cancer.

Come walk with me down a path of a mother and wife who had no hope. While we were at Sagubo for the VBS Pastor Marlou told me of a woman with breast cancer and his prayer was that I could somehow reach her heart with my story of breast cancer and that would open the door to share with her the wonderful story of Jesus.

Her name is Juliann and she has a two year old daughter, Anita.

Two years ago the doctors removed a lump in her breast and told her it was cancer. She took one treatment of chemo and then had to stop because of infection in the surgery site. Then money became an issue. For two years the infection has remained and they have told her now it will never heal and she is awaiting death.

The first time I met her was at the church. She had heard of me and walked up to see me and see if her little girl could attend the VBS. (of course, no child is ever turned away in this ministry) I talked to her for a short while outside the church and promised her I would come to her place to talk more and pray with her. That afternoon late I asked my husband, Duane, to accompany me to Juilann's place. As we entered her home I could smell the infection in her body, something I did not notice outside the church. It smelt like rotton flesh, a horrible smell. For two years she has applied heat and keep it covered with bandages, just feeding the infection. And this has been going on for two years! And her doctor told her to do this! The infection is now all in her body to the point they say death could come any day.

The first thing we did was pray with her and then shared Jesus with her. She is now born again and Pastor Marlou is following up with her on discipleship.

The second thing was tell her how to clean the wound from the surgery. And explained to her about not applying heat and take the bandages off for a while. I also talked to my doctor and she has sent some antibiotics to her and instructions also. See, just going down to your local doctor is not an option with the people in the mountains. They do have clinics and small hosptals, but no doctor or medical supplies in available in most of them, if something serious happens the people are transported by jeepney down the mountain to the nearest hospital with better care.

The last I heard from Pastor Marlou was that she was doing some better and the infection was improving! To God be the glory!!

She is now my Sister in Christ and my sister in the battle of breast cancer. I shared with her my faith and the peace I have in the loving arms of my Savior. She can now face each day walking a new walk and facing death with peace and understanding. Pray for Juilann, her husband and precious little Anita.

Thank you for praying for me! Thank you for walking with me; holding me up; and lifting me up in prayer. Please, always remember to pray for Duane and our family.

Devotions on "Having a Servants Heart" - A Heart Like Jesus

2009-06-19T09:54:00.003+08:00

Philippians 1:3-11

Each week I would like to share with you a short devotion on "Having a Servants Heart" - A Heart Like Jesus. Each Friday for several weeks I will post a new devotion.

Thank you for having a Servant's Heart!

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28

Thank You!
The Hearts you have touched.
The wisdom you have shared.
The support you have given.
The tears you have dried.
The love you have shown.

All of these reveal the ways the Lord Jesus has been at work in you, shaping and forming your heart so that it conforms more and more closely to the contours of His own heart.
Jesus served us by pouring out His life’s blood on the cross for our sins. His service frees us to childlike, self-forgetful joy in serving others.

We love because He loved.
We give because He gave.
We serve because He served.
Because He loved, served and gave Himself for us!

Willing Service

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24

When the Holy Spirit repeats Himself – three times – we do well to pay extra attention! Matthew, Mark and Luke – all three – include in their gospels the same snapshot from Jesus’ early ministry: Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 10:30-31; Luke 4:38-39.
Moved with compassion, Jesus takes the sufferer by the hand. His touch heals her. His touch stirs such love and faith in her heart that she, in turn, rises to serve both Christ and His followers.
Only the Savior’s spontaneous, willing care evoking a response of authentic, willing service.

May the Holy Spirit open our hearts to an ever-deepening touch of Jesus’ healing and compassion! And may we respond in ever more eager and joyful service.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a an lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." John 15:13-16

The Remarkable Bumblebee

2009-06-19T09:32:00.002+08:00

BEE WINGS

I WANT TO SHARE A CONVERSATION BETWEEN A DAD AND HIS DAUGHTER. A GREAT LESSON ABOUT GOD’S CREATION AND A LESSON ON “NEVER QUESTION GOD”

“Dad, today I heard that science has proven that the bumblebee can’t fly! That sounds crazy! Look at all the bees flying around in our flower garden,” said Mary.
“I’ve heard that story, but what is the question I’ve always told you to ask?” asked Mr. Jones.
“What’s the evidence?”, or “How do they know?” said Mary.
“That’s right. In this case I found out that the story got started about 70 years ago in France when two scientists were looking at the large, heavy body and short wings of a bumblebee. Using mathematics, they showed that a tiny airplane, with a body and wings the size of a bee, moving as slowly as a bee, couldn’t fly.”
“But they were wrong, Dad!” “A bee does fly.”
“Mary, the scientists didn’t say that a bee couldn’t fly…what they actually did was that it would be impossible for a tiny airplane the size of a bee with stiff, immovable wings to fly. Many people misunderstood what was said, and so the false story began,” explained Mr. Jones.
“Wow, look how well they do fly! Look, Dad, that bee just flew backwards,” exclaimed Mary.
“Yes, Mary, they are wonderful flying machines. The bee flaps its wings in a figure eight design. By bending and twisting its wings as it flies, the bee can go in any direction – up, down, sideways, backwards, forwards, fly very slowly, or zoom forward at over six miles per hour. The bee can also hover before a flower as a hummingbird does,” said Mr. Jones.
“Why can’t I see their wings when they are flying, Dad?” asked Mary.
“That’s because the bee flaps its wings 200 to 240 times a second. Think of it…while you say, ‘1000 and 1’, the bee could have beaten his wings back and forth 240 times! That’s a fantastic 114,400 beats a minute; much faster than other flying insects the size of bees,” said Mr. Jones.

“Now watch closely, Mary. See that bumblebee by the big red flower? Watch, and I think you’ll understand why God made short wings on the bee.”
“Whoa! He climbed right into the flower, Dad!” shouted Mary.
“That’s right, Mary. You see God made the bee with four short, powerful wings. To get inside of the flower or hive, the bee folds the two wings on each side of its body over each other, laying them along its back. With long wings that stick out behind its body, the bee wouldn’t be able to turn around in tight spaces. If it has stiff and had wings like an airplane or a dragonfly, our little friend here, the bee, could not have crawled into that flower.”
“Dad, if I had four wings and flapped them around as fast as the bumblebee does, I’d get them all tangled up!” exclaimed Mary.
Mr. Jones chuckled. “Well Mary, God created another amazing design in bee wings. On the front of the back wing is a row of hooks and on the back edge of the front wing is a groove. As the wings unfold for flight the hooks automatically grab the groove and lock the two wings together into one large wing! Upon landing, the two wings unhook and fold over out of the way.”
“Wow, Dad, the bee is so cool!”
“That’s right, Mary. And the wing is only one small part of a bee. When you look at all the wonderful designs in the bumblebee, you are looking at a creature that never could have happened by chance and accident,” explained Mr. Jones. “The design in a bumblebee could only have been made by someone very smart. That somebody could only be God!”

Even in the smallness of the bee we should not question God. He purposed a plan for all, even a tiny little bee.
“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.”
Romans 8:28

We Found Her!

2009-06-18T23:05:00.002+08:00

We have been searching the mountain side for a young woman that is great with child and to deliver in July. Duane saw her walking one day when he was giving out tracts with Theeter, one of the young men from the Natonin mission that is here in our area working and training with Duane. I went back up with him to look for her and also give out maternity packs to other women in this new area we are working in and giving out tracts also. We had searched for a while for this young woman and finally a lady told us she thought she knew this family. So we following her down a trail to a little house and there she was with her whole family. We gave her the pack and explained the tract that Duane gave her and with tears flowing down she expressed her thanks for not only the gift but the kindness shown that we would come so far back in the jungle just to find one person. This one person may be the one to make a difference in this jungle village. She has two sisters and one brother in school and they have no school supplies. We will be going back next week to take the school supplies needed for this family. This will open the door for us to help others also and a Bible Study is already being planned at this house. To God be the glory! And thanks to all the church and individuals that supplied the things for the maturnity packs and school supply packs. Do you remember when I told some of you that we would be your hands, feet and eyes? Well, I meant that!

The Butterfly Story

2009-06-18T22:55:00.002+08:00

Life’s a Struggle, or Is It?

I am about to share with you a simple story that has changed by perspective towards life. There was a science teacher who was teaching a group of students science lesson. In this lesson, the teacher placed a fully developed cocoon of a butterfly on the table in the science lab. He then instructed the students to crowd around the table to watch as the cocoon was about to hatch into a butterfly. As everyone was watching eagerly, the teacher’s mobile phone rang and before he went outside to answer his phone, he told his students that if the cocoon were to hatch, not to help the butterfly come out of the cocoon. Let it come out naturally and with that, he went outside to answer his phone call.

The cocoon then started to hatch and as the butterfly was slowly making it’s way out, it seems to have paused halfway as if it was stuck and could not fully come out the cocoon. This point in time, one of the students by the name of John took pity on the butterfly and decided to break open the cocoon with his fingers and helped the butterfly out. One out on the table, as the butterfly tries to spread it’s wings, it slowly died. Everyone was so angry at John and felt so sad for the butterfly.

The teacher returned into lab and asked who had helped the butterfly out of the cocoon? John admitted that he was the one and that he was sorry that he had unintentionally caused the butterfly’s death. He informed that he was merely trying to help it come out faster. The teacher then told the class the process of the butterfly coming out of the cocoon itself may be slow and painful but it is essential to the butterfly survival. This is because as the butterfly struggles to come out of the cocoon itself, if is pumping blood into it’s wings and this in turn helps strengthen the wings so that the butterfly is able to fly after coming out of the cocoon. If we were to help t he butterfly to come out, it will eventually die as it does not have the strength to fly or survive. There’s an old saying “If we give a man a fish, we feed him for a day. If we teach him how to fish, we feed him for a lifetime.”

If you truly understand the meaning behind this story and reflect on your own life, you will find that we are in fact very similar to the butterfly struggling to come out of our own cocoon. Life is full of ups and downs but sometimes it is the downs that helps drive us on.

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

I Corinthians 1:27

Pics from Sagubo VBS

2009-06-18T22:40:00.001+08:00

VBS in Sagubo

2009-06-18T21:17:00.000+08:00

The last week of May was VBS in Sagubo. And what a way to end the month! A young man, Jonathan Smith, from our church was visiting us and helping in this VBS and a young woman, Hannah Senn, from the last church my husband was pastor was visiting also. They came at different times to visit but left the same day traveling back to the states together. Actually, Hannah was here during the VBS in Natonin also. Both were a great help and the children loved getting to know them both. I pray that their mission trip here with us was a life changing experience.

Sagubo is a very different place from Natonin. Even though both are in the mountains, Sagubo is different tribes of people. Their second language is Ilocano and their main language is Kankaneay. We have been working in Sagubo and with the people there longer than any other place so we are very close to the them there.

In the VBS we had a total of 89 children. What a blessing!! In the morning when we were getting ready and eating breakfast we could hear the children singing at the church two hours early waiting for us to arrive for VBS. Their voices were heard all over the valley. We had the same theme as in Natonin, F.R.O.G. "Fully Rely On God". VBS was a great success and the children are looking forward to next year and so am I. We visit this mission very often and the children are always reminding me how much they learned at VBS and are already asking "what are we going to learn about next year?" Pray for the children in Sagubo and that they will "fully rely on God". They told me that I needed to "fully rely on God" for my strength to return to Sagubo. They know about my breast cancer and they are aware that I may not be able to go there next year for VBS. But we are trusting and relying on God and if He wants me there He will make the way. The God I serve is in control of all things.

The people there know how I love Orchids and Sagubo is the best place to see all kinds of Orchids growing wild, so the last day of VBS they presented me with Orchids to bring home and put in my garden. They are so beautiful and blooming in my garden now.

VBS in Natonin

2009-06-17T08:35:00.000+08:00

Well, another VBS successful in Natonin! Although it rained everyday this year and was much cooler the VBS was a great success. There was a concern that I would not be able to withstand the travel and the week of climbing up and down the mountain to get to the school where the VBS was held each day because the cancer has progressed, but God held my hand every step. The travel there is very hard, it takes about 15 hours to get there and two days, because we stop at Bontoc for the night and get up early and continue on to Natonin and arrive there about 5 hours later.

When we go to hold a VBS in the mountain villiages we take all supplies and lessons for the whole week and also our living supplies (bedding, clothes, food etc.). Kinda like camping with a twist. We have a house we stay at when we go there, three rooms total and the cr (comfort room - bathroom) is out back - out house - and that is the shower also. Oh, no hot water unless you heat it, and the mountain spring water is very cold so I heat mine but Duane is very brave and he just takes it cold, burrrrr! I look forward to the time we spend there, I love it so much. The people make the place - it is all about the people. I think my compassion for them grows more and more every day. My heart leaps when I get out of the van and see the faces that are waiting for us when we arrive. The relationship we have with the people there makes the trip down the 500 plus step mountain trail to the valley where the village is a great time of fellowship; but finally getting to the bottom - well, need I say more than just "praise the Lord". Then you look up where you have just come from and say "stairway to Heaven".

This year our theme was "F.R.O.G." Fully Rely On God - and the children had great fun with this. We taught about Jonah; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; Daniel and the Lions Den; and David and Goliath. All these men fully relied on God. Life is hard in this mountain villiage of Natonin and teaching them about these men in the Bible and also life lessons on having faith and fully relying on God, we pray that their faith will grow and they will learn to rely on God in any circumtance of their life. Pray for the people of Natonin and our mission there "Indenpendent Bible Baptist Mission" and Pastor Ambrocio Simeon and his family. And always pray for us!

Thank You for Your Patience

2009-06-17T08:28:00.000+08:00

I would like to take this time to say "Thank You" for your patience with me on my blog. I know I am very far behind on posting and keeping you up to date. Over the next few post I will explain what has been happening with me and more important the women's ministry. I am getting ready for uploading on this blog several posts. And I am working on something new to start doing every week on the blog. I pray that you will visit me often and I promise to be the best I can be for you in information and pictures. Please in return send me comments so I know you are visiting with me. Thank you, Diane

Please Forgive Me

2009-01-10T09:51:00.000+08:00

Things have been so crazy here since I returned from the States in October. Of course the holidays are always busy where ever you are in the world. Here in the Philippines they love to celebrate holidays. Duane and I celebrated Christmas with a filipino meal and then went out riding on the motorcycle through the barro (country side) giving candy and tracts to the children. One road is about 200 children. There in that place there is no sign of a church. It seems to be a place left out and untouched. Well, it is a place we visit frequent now. And the people love to hear us (especially Duane) speak in their language (Ilocano). He is doing great, me well I need more work, but Duane can carry on a conversation and they love it.
There is a place on the top of a mountain we travel that we go and sit and look out at all the villages down below with no apparent gospel. I am here to tell you that if 100 more missionaries come over here we will still never reach everyone. But we are putting forth ever effort to reach as many as we can here in North Luzon Philippines. Men are being trained to help us. Duane is working with and training 15 men that are in our missions here to go out and help reach their people.
The New Year here in the Philippines. WOW! I just don't know how to explain it. Fireworks, fireworks, fireworks and more fireworks. No need to try to go to bed until at least 3 am. Festivals are going on almost every week during the month of December and January.
I will try to work on my blog and update you on everything that we have been doing the past few months. Also give you an update on my breast cancer. I had my check up yesterday and all was not good. I have another test on Monday and then I will update you completely on the outcome of all test. Thank you for your prayers and support. Please pray for my and Duane's strength on the decisions to be made. We want to follow God in everything and we are seeking His will and direction and His alone. We want to follow His plan because we serve the most powerful God and an all knowing God. Please come back to visit me here and I will have you all up to date in just a few days and thanks you for being patient.
Your sister in Christ,
Diane

"A Personal Note"

2008-07-24T20:47:00.001+08:00

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"

2008-07-24T19:45:00.000+08:00

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

2008-07-12T15:13:00.000+08:00

The Feet of An Old Woman

2008-06-19T00:15:00.000+08:00

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

2008-06-19T00:08:00.000+08:00

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"

2008-06-19T00:00:00.000+08:00

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"

2008-06-18T23:22:00.000+08:00

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

2008-06-14T17:22:00.001+08:00

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

2008-06-14T17:09:00.000+08:00

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.