Happy Thanksgiving! First quarter is over, and it is already November. We are praising God that we are allowed to do face-to-face classes with our sports and fine arts programs. It is exciting to see everything running again! But we have discovered that starting all of our programs is exhausting, so please pray for strength and energy. Our theme this year at Faith Academy is Renew, Revive, and Refresh: Isaiah 40:31, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” It is so apropos as people are so exhausted from the pandemic, but we are excited how God will revive us and use us to advance His Kingdom. School has historically been busy, and we have always focused on the spiritual formation of our students. But this year we are trying to be intentional in incorporating time for our students to engage in discipleship and ministry. Pray for wisdom and strength as we plan and schedule this. Our prayer is that God will continually transform all of us: staff and students, reverently responsive to God’s leading–Isaiah 66:1-2. At the end of the first quarter, we enjoyed in-person concerts, athletic tournaments, and ministry events. In November, we will have our first theatrical performance in three years!
Cheryl, as Head Nurse, continues to be busy answering emails and explaining COVID protocols, but we are thankful that there has been no spike in COVID cases. We are thankful that the facemask mandate has been lifted. Walter remains busy with administrative tasks, meetings, and emails.
A highlight for us is still ministering at the Butterfly Project. There are up to 50 girls now! Last week we did a Christmas craft with the girls, and one of the new girls told Cheryl: “I am so glad that I am here at this home. The workers are kind and friendly and I feel safe here from the people who hurt me.” Later, that same girl was helping me clean up and she told me: “I am so glad you came today as it helped me forget all of my troubles. I am happy now. Thank you!” Comments like that just melt our hearts.
Our last news of thanksgiving is that Juliana is expecting her baby boy early this month, and we are excited that we are allowed to go to Seattle in December to visit them. Plus, we are thankful that almost all of our children will come to Seattle over Christmas with the exception of Ben and his family as they are ministering in Brazil. But we are excited to see so many of our adult children and grandchildren.
Lastly, thank you for partnering with us for so many years. It is through your prayers and support that we are still here in the Philippines.
Psalm 9:1, “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”
Secure in Christ,
Walter and Cheryl Spicer
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