But the LORD Directs Our Steps

Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” We had planned to return to the Philippines first semester, but with the travel restrictions due to the COVID-19, we were not allowed. Then things started opening up and we were approved to return in January, but with the new CoronaVirus strand, the Philippine government banned the citizens from many countries, including the US. With all the changes in travel plans, we talked with our leadership (both Ethnos360 and Faith Academy) and decided together that it would be best for us to take our home assignment early this year instead of later. (We were scheduled to return in June to attend Abby’s wedding and begin our six-month home assignment.) Pray for wisdom as we transition to home assignment in March. Pray that we can take care of unfinished business in the Philippines (our housing, our vehicle, etc.) due to our long stay, plus we need to plan our furlough time here.

We are thankful that Walter has been able to continue his ministry as Deputy Head of Faith Academy for the past seven months. Pray for Walter as he transitions out of most of his administrative jobs and pray for those who will be taking over them for the remainder of the semester. Walter will continue to do a few of them, plus in May and June the administrators will begin planning for next year.

As I am sure you are all aware that distance learning is difficult on all involved: pray for strength for the staff, students, and parents as Faith Academy continues distance learning. Plus pray that we will be able to get the rest of our staff at Faith Academy into the Philippines as well as our New Tribes missionaries.

We are thankful that we have had healthy bodies, but this year has been different for Walter. He had his double hernia surgery in October; we both contracted COVID-19 in November; and now on March 11, Walter will have eye surgery. When he went to the eye doctor, he told him he couldn’t see out of his left eye due to cataracts and was referred to a specialist who confirmed it and scheduled him for surgery.

When his surgery is over, we will begin traveling and are excited that we will get to see many of you as we begin our home assignment.

Interesting note: in Rose Hill, Kansas, it is 7⁰, but in Manila it is 77⁰!

I want to close with a familiar passage: Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” We do not know what the future holds, but we are confident in Him Who holds the future and are thankful to serve Him.

Secure In Christ,

Walter & Cheryl