February 2006
"Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. To give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise." Isaiah 43:19, 20b, & 21NKJV
Mexico
PRAISE THE LORD! In January we were able to sign the papers to buy the land in Chihuahua to expand the Children’s Home. The first time Ron went to sign the papers the government official told him it was not possible because the land did not have a clear title. At that point it looked like it would take several months and many more expenditures to get a clear title on the land. After prayer God made a way. Brother Francisco, the director of the Children’s Home, was able to contact the first owner of the land.
He was able to verify that he had a clear title on the land. The very next day we were able to sign the papers and the land is now in the name of the Children’s Home. With the mountains of red tape it takes to get anything done in Mexico this was a great miracle.
This is a large piece of property and will provide room for the children to run and play. This summer we will have some work teams come down and we will begin the construction work on the new property. Please help us pray for an increase in support for all the additional expenses this will entail.
Philippines
By the time you receive this letter Ron and his team will be in the Philippines ministering to Pastors and leaders. Please pray for lasting fruit from this trip and for God’s protection on the Pastors in this dangerous area.
We recently received an e-mail from Sister Lourdess, the director of our Bible School, part of which follows. Please pray about this.
"At this juncture, I would like to relate to you what has happened to our family for the past three months. Last October 28, 2005 while my husband was doing his job monitoring in Agusan area, he was captured by a group of New People’s Army (Communist rebels). He was blindfolded and both his hands were tied behind his back, while he was harshly interrogated by their leader for one hour. He was warned to stop his work or else he would be killed. God protected him and brought him home safely. For two months (Nov - Dec) we received death threats from the NPA. We received text messages on our cell phones that if my husband did not do what they wanted they would kill one of us as an example. The NPA even knew who had visited us. It was evident that one of our neighbors was spying on us for the NPA.
My husband decided to quit his job and with the money left from his saving’s account, we started to do farming. We raise hybrid pigs, ducks for eggs and fishes in our farm in Kidapawan City where we own some land. Our experience was really difficult but also rewarding because we supported each other as a family. Last christmas vacation we all stayed at the farm and we helped clean the surrounding land for farming.
Only my husbands family knew what happened to us and they helped us with our safety. As of now, we are recovering and I am always encouraging my husband to learn how to release his forgiveness to all people who hurt him and us. I know by the grace of God he can forgive. He is staying on the farm most of the time but he comes to stay with the children in Kabacan when I am studying in Davao City." Sister Lourdess
We just received an update on the new church that was established last year in the mountains. You may remember that last year Ron traveled to a remote mountain village to evangelize a tribe.
In the last year the church has become established and a church building has been built. The building was made from bamboo according to the way the tribes people build in the jungle. Though the people have never been to school they have a desire to learn to read so they can know what the Bible says. They also have a desire to clothe themselves better. The mother church in Cotabato City is sending beginning reading books and used clothing to help this tribe.
For the tribes people to want to better themselves is unusual as they have lived from day to day for centuries. They have a very laid back way of life. As long as they have enough for the present day that is all they care about. This change in their life is because of their desire to know more about the faith they have embraced.
Pastor Joy is going to the tribe every Sunday to conduct a service for the people. He is also doing Bible Studies during the week. This has entailed twice the effort for Pastor Joy as he has his own congregation. Pastor Joy is glad to do this even though he must work part time to support his family. The people in this area only raise enough food to feed themselves and do not have an income. While they share some of their food with the Pastor it is not enough for his family. Pastor Joy works part time on the coffee plantation as a day laborer. Please pray for him and his family.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Ron & Bernadette Gartner
25th Anniversary Year
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 - Mexico Children's Home - Email Gartners
Africa - Philippines - Mexico
