August
2009
August
2009
"And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all &ldots; who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." Rom 1:6-7 NIV
Mexico
Luis graduated from Kindergarten and will start first grade in Aug. Luis and Viridiana (brother and sister). Viridiana will start Kinder this year.
At the graduation ceremony Martita danced and marched in a traditional holiday dress. She was so proud of her new dress that she wanted to show it to all of you. Isn’t she cute?
As all of the children will be starting school before the end of August we are in need of school supplies. This includes back packs, uniforms, pens, notebooks, glue etc. If anyone wishes to help with this they may either send a package or a check. If you send a check we will purchase the items in Mexico as they will not have to be transported and they will be exactly what is needed.
A group of students studying to be hair stylists came and gave free haircuts to the children. They were so happy to get haircuts by professionals. Usually we cut their hair as it would be very expensive to take them to a professional.
Philippines
We just received this report from our director in the Philippines. Cotabato City is where our Mother Church and ministry center is located. This is also where Ron and his team held the Pastors and Leaders Conference in May.
"On the day of our 27th Anniversary July 5, early in the morning at 8:30 a very strong bomb exploded in front of Catholic Cathedral beside the Central Bank. 5 died on the spot while around 50 people are seriously wounded. Brother Millan, a military husband of our Sister in the Church is one of those hurt. However, God is good! He was not seriously hurt, but 4 of his team was seriously hurt, while one is already dead. Today people are dwelling on fear. The City is like a ghost town in the evening. 4 to 5 in the afternoon all shops are already closed. Last July 10, all shops and doctors clinic are closed. Doctors stay homes. (Many doctors & businessmen with their children are kidnapped) Not only that, last Wednesday, July 15 another group of professionals, teachers, business group and students conducted a silent protest to show the Government to implement strong protection against kidnapping, bombings and killings between the rebels and government troops. There is so much tension and fear at present in Cotabato City today.
Please pray for the Christians and residents of Cotabato City that God will turn their hearts to Him during this time of violence, unrest and fear."
We also received the following in the same letter.
"One of our newly established Churches located at Carmen, North Cotabato under Pastor Eleonor Sauri is growing very fast. Last May we had the chance to visit the Church with Apostle Ron Gartner on his Churches tour. We had just one night of fellowship yet many were inspired and encouraged to do evangelism with their Pastor. At this time their attendance are double.
Polomolok- Pastor Edith Bulay requested for one month vacation, However that vacation did not push thru because she became very busy visiting and conducting Bible studies. With the help of Pastor Stalin Manatad who help her on evangelism, they baptized in water 25 people convert, the Church is already small so they are asking for help for the extension of their Church. So if we can extend help for the extension of their Church is very much welcome."
Please pray for these precious Pastors and leaders who are called to serve God in a very dangerous and difficult area. We are humbled by their faithfulness and willingness to risk their lives for the sake of the Gospel. We pray that we would all do the same if it were asked of us.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Ron and Bernadette Gartner
Your Evangelists to the world.
Use this address To send us a tax deductible LOVE GIFT.
About Refuge Ministries and the Gartners
Current Newsletter Past Newsletters
Africa - Philippines - Mexico
Click Here for Ron & Bernadette's 2005 report from their trip to Africa.
