Christmas 2006

 Thank you for praying for us during the past year. It is encouraging to reflect on God’s faithfulness during 2006; it was our pleasure to witness some of the great things He is accomplishing in Southeast Asia.

Pray for NTM’s Philippine Field Conference held at the beginning of January. It is joy to talk with our other missionaries and hear what God is doing in their ministry.

After Martin Burnham was killed, our mission was challenged to build a larger mission center in Manila. The 5-story Martin Burnham Mission Center is now seventy-five percent complete. The vision for the center is to house our Culture and Language Orientation Program for new missionaries when they arrive in the Philippines plus provide a place where NTM missionaries can attend translation/church planting workshops and conferences. It is exciting to see how God continues to provide the necessary funds, and now some of the rooms are being used.

During second quarter I asked the parents of my students to come and observe two sessions–once in the middle of the quarter and once towards the end. After the observation, the parents and I discuss what they observed and I answer any of their questions. All of these sessions went well, the parents were happy with what they saw—the rapport that I have with their child, the activities that I do with them, and the progress that they have made. We do thank God for the progress made, but please continue to pray as I will do our annual testing at the end of January.

Second quarter is always busy with many activities. The boys’ varsity basketball team remains undefeated! One highlight was the pre-season basketball tournament in Hong Kong. Last year we took second place, but this year we came back with first. It is a joy to see our students interact with students from other schools—both international and department of defense schools. We have such a good reputation, that families in Hong Kong volunteer to lodge and feed us (which helps us financially). Do pray as people watch our students play and interact with us that some might be challenged and saved!

December is always packed with Christmas parties, banquets, and concerts. They all went great and they were a wonderful reminder of the joy we have because of all Christ did for us.

Thank you for partnering with us during 2006. We look forward to 2007 and all that Christ will do in and through us, but we covet your continued support both financial and prayer to face all of the challenges and joys of the New Year.