December 2006
"And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11
Mexico
Praise God!!! After four months of waiting we FINALLY have the electricity hooked up and operating at the farm. This came just before the cold weather that is forecast for next week.
Francisco has built a fireplace and chimney to heat the house with wood. However, we would still like to purchase two gas heaters and a propane tank for the cold December and January nights. The temperature at night can drop well below freezing and at times even into single digits.
It is so much nicer to have electricity.
Now with a flip of a switch we can pump water from our cistern to the two tanks we have placed on the roof. This not only gives the house an ample water supply but we have water pressure when we need it. Thanks again to all the folks who gave to meet this need. Unless you have been without electricity for awhile you do not realize what a blessing it is and how it makes your life so much easier.
Philippines
In spite of the recent rebel activity in Mindanao the ministry has been able to continue un-hindered. We recently completed a Women’s Convention in Cotabato City. There were 120 participants. These came from RM churches and other churches in the area. Here are some of the testimonies:
"I will never be the same again! This was more than I ever imagined. The three day convention was a complete life changing and eye opening experience to me." Sister Malou
"As a woman I was so burned out as a leader. I was thinking of quitting. But now the Lord has opened my spiritual eyes so that I now see to have more love and concern to lead the Women’s Group in my church. I can say this has been perhaps the happiest gathering I have attended in my entire life." Sister Cherry
"I will never be the same again. I want to go back and tell my Pastor that I am willing to be used and not just be a bench warmer in my church. I want to reach my women neighbors for the Lord because I received a fresh anointing when Pastor Inky prayed for me." Sister Nilda
Youth Camp
Our young people recently went to Woodland Resort for youth camp. This was headed by our youth director Rev. Sukarno. Dr. Batista was the main speaker who challenged the campers to dedicate their lives to the Lord. As a result 20 young people received water baptism at the end of the camp. Our young people came back full of joy.
Evangelism & Discipleship Training
Thirty students recently attended the Evangelism & Discipleship Training class. These were men and women sent by their Pastors to be trained as leaders. Pastor William Lumasag and Pastor Encar were the teachers. Part of the training included two Evangelism outreaches. The students went to hospitals, the mall, Plaza Park and individual homes. Through this outreach two homes were opened for Bible Studies. This training gave the leaders experience in how to approach people and how to win them to Christ. The students said it was a great experience.
A few months ago we asked for Pastoral support for several Filipino Pastors. We received a great response and are now supporting Pastors in the mountains. As a result we are now reaching the Manobo and the Bagao tribes with the Gospel and planting churches.
Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year
A special Christmas Greeting to all our friends and supporters. We want to thank all of you who have helped us to preach the Gospel and help the poor in 2006. May God Bless and Prosper each and everyone of you who has prayed for and supported this ministry.
As you prayerfully look over your finances for the coming year we ask you to consider supporting RM or increasing your support for the coming year. This will greatly help us as we take the Gospel around the world and help the poor. No donation is to small or to big. As we all give what we can God multiplies it for His purposes. We are your pipe line to poor nations you may never have an opportunity to visit. You can make an impact for the Gospel by helping the poor in those nations by your giving to RM.
We pray that you and your family have a happy and safe Christmas Season. Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. Slow down; take time to love one another and to love Him.
May the One who was born in a manager be born in the hearts of you and your family. May the presence and peace of God fill your home this Christmas.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Ron & Bernadette Gartner
25th Anniversary Year
Ron and Bernadette Gartner
Your Evangelists to the world.
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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.
