REAP - Nels & Lorrie Church (Newsletter : July 2008

June – July 2008

  

Dear friends,

 

I hope you are having a beautiful summer enjoying God’s blessing in your life. So often I am focused on the “half-empty pail” rather than the “half-full pail.” I am personally endeavoring to be more thankful every day for the good things He does in my life. The Lord has challenged me as I wake up to name five things I am thankful for. As I have been faithful to do this, He has been faithful to encourage me through the difficult situations we all face.

 

We were particularly blessed by the following email sent to us by Pastor Homer a short time ago:

“Did you heard the news about the Ferry that sank because of the typhoon last week? I suppose to be in that ferry going to Cebu. But because I didn’t have enough money for fare, Lolet did not buy a ticket for me. So, I decided to postpone my trip to Cebu.”

Over 800 people lost their life when, in the midst of a typhoon, a seven story ship hit a reef and rolled over. Last I heard there were only 45 survivors. Had Pastor Homer been on the ship as planned, he would have almost certainly died. Periodically we are reminded that life is so fragile and so short. Today is the day we have to serve Him and to joy in the tasks He has assigned us to do.

The typhoon has left great damage in its wake. I received the following email today from Pastor Homer:

“Please pray for Noli Pamplona. Our pastor that is now in Sibuyan Island in Romblon. I don’t have a communication with him since the time it was been hit by typhoon last month. He is planning to start a work there if possible. Brother Leoncio (ONSOY) from Palawan is also with him. I don’t know if I will go there now or wait. I lost the exact address where they are now that is why it’s hard to find them. Roads and bridges was also damaged and under repair. Romblon is now under the state of calamity.  I knew that you are financially limited also and that is why we are just asking for a prayer, because most of our pastors are feeling the financial hardships. Prices of commodities are up to more than 50% just a month ago. Financial hardship is world wide that is why their faith and your prayers can help a lot. It’s hard to elaborate the many needs but I know there is an answer.”

Thank you for remembering our brethren working in the harvest fields across the ocean. We know that many of you are experiencing financial difficulties, but your prayers and any small or large financial gift you are able to give will be greatly appreciated.

May the Lord richly bless you,

Nels, Lorrie, and family