December 2004
"Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign; behold a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14
A Look Back
Mexico
God blessed Refuge Ministries in 2004 and we were able to expand in many areas. In Mexico we were able to expand the Children’s Home by building new bathrooms for the girls. We also added onto the kitchen. We were able to purchase a new dryer for the wet rainy days when clothes can not be hung out. A much needed new computer was bought for the Children’s Home. The directors were so excited they seemed like children themselves.
We had numerous work teams that helped uild but more importantly they showered love on our children. The little ones are love sponges but they return love in abundance. One team took our children to a water park. That was the first time they had ever been to such a thing and they were so excited they could hardly eat their lunch.
Two of our older girls had a Quincenera. This is the celebration when a girl turns 15. This signifies her becoming a woman. In the church it also signifies her commitment to the Lord. The girls always wear white dresses and carry flowers to signify their purity. They were given white Bibles and other items that they will treasure throughout their lives. The Directors of the Home and the Pastors prayed over them It was a beautiful ceremony.
In Chihuahua we had an awesomely anointed convention and the Spirit of God moved mightily in people’s lives. This is a once a year event where we bring all of our churches together for fellowship and spiritual feeding. We were able to give out many warm and pretty handmade quilts. We gave them to the very poor people in the mountains where the winters are very cold. The people we gave then to had nothing.
Most people in the mountains live in a one or two room shack where they heat with a tiny wood stove. They only heat enough to remove the chill. They are not able to heat their houses as we do. What a blessing the quilts were. Thank you to all the teams who came and helped and to all the people who gave of their time, money, talents and prayers.
Philippines
Much was accomplished for the work of our Lord in the Philippines this year. Ron was able to take a team to the Philippines for three weeks of ministry. The first event was an Evangelistic Crusade in a maximum security prison. Ron and the team taught a seminar to the Pastors and leaders of the prison. Many were saved and the Pastors and leaders were greatly encouraged. Three more seminars were conducted for Pastors and leaders in Mindanao. Ron was able to participate in the opening of the Bible School, where we have 15 students.The new church in Kauran was opened. We also opened a new church in Sabanal. Praise the Lord for the Gospel going forward.
With the help of our supporters we were able to provide surgery for two needy children. The surgery for the Pastors son, Michael Camion Jr, has been completed successfully. He colostomy reconnected and surgery to make and open an anus for her. With Cherril there have been more surgeries than even the Drs thought. It is costing more than we originally planned on but in the end it will be worth it for this child.
We were able to get a much needed new keyboard for the Student Renewal Ministry in Kabacan.
We opened the Economic Empowerment Foundation. This foundation is making low interest loans to poor Christians to enable them to start a business.
We are receiving reports of Revival in the Philippines. One of our churches reported 15 new converts baptized in a Thanksgiving service. This is due to your efforts to take the Gospel to the earth.
We thank all of you who have helped with this work. We are excited to see it growing and your prayers and money being planted in good soil.
China
We have been able to buy and distribute Bibles to poor Christians who are in need of the Word of God. Bible Couriers take these bibles to remote villages where many are being saved and cannot afford a Bible. The greatest need the Underground Church in China has, is for Bibles and your prayers. We thank all of you who have made this effort possible.
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
Intercessors Newsletter - Past Newsletters - Mexico Children's Home - Email Gartners
Africa - Philippines - Mexico
