February 2008
"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make your selves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief come near, nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:33-34 NIV
Philippines
Pastor Janet Valera, who began a new church plant last year in Tagum City, is suffering from cancer. We received the following report from her: "My huusband Rev Waldo Valera and I were Pastors until he died about 3 years ago from heart failure. During the 3 years he was ill we spent everything on his medicine. We had to sell our land (1 hectare of rice field), our house, all of our furniture and personal items. There is nothing left. We have no regret over this. We had to move into a rented room. (Just 1 room for all of them.)
I was left with 3 children, from ages 5 to 17, and withdrew from the ministry to take care of my children. When I heard of the church plants I volunteered to start a church in Tagum City.
Early last year, after I started the church plant, I began to feel pain in my breast. I thought it was just ordinary pain so I just ignored it. However, in September I saw that my breast was very red and swelling. I was having trouble sleeping and could not lift my hands up anymore. So I went to the Dr. After much examination and lab tests the Dr said it is breast cancer and I need surgery and Chemo. I went home crying and begging God to live. I want to live for my children as they have nothing and no one to care for them. Please pray that God will heal me so I can do the work of the Lord and take care of my children. "
Pastor Janet has worked hard for the Lord and this ministry. She is very ill and has lost a lot of weight but is still Pastoring. She has reported that she has very little strength and is in bed from Monday until Saturday but on Sunday the Lord gives her strength and she is able to get up and minister. Please pray for her healing as she cannot afford surgery. She has breast cancer and seemingly has had it for at least 2 years now.
We know that God is faithful and as we see our Sister suffering we see what God is doing elsewhere. I know that God has a plan and we are trying our best to work with Him in His timing and His plan. Please continue to pray for our Sister.
Native Outreach
Our native tribe outreach in the mountains continues to bear fruit. Recently 10 new converts were baptized in water. Also the literacy program has become a great tool for Gospel outreach. Many are learning to read and write, both young and old. The mother church in Cotabato City gave an offering to buy a black board and tables. This year we are hoping to start a new church plant under Pastor Obregon in the town of Palimbang.
Pastor Joy's church in the mountains is putting on a new roof and putting up new walls. This church is growing in attendance every Sunday. The adult attendance is up to 45 and the children are 25. What a blessing to see the hard work of this young family pay off for the Lord. We are so thankful for the faithful work of Pastor Joy and his family.
New church
We now have a church in General Santos City, one of the larger cities in South Mindanao. This church has affiliated with our ministry after being independent. They have been friends with us for years and we know them very well. We pray we can be a blessing to them and they will be a blessing to us.
Mexico
Once again we are getting ready for a work team. What a blessing work teams are to us. We thank God for all the people that are willing to give up their time and money to come and help our children with building and giving of their love.
Our children love to have a good time and they especially love it when we have work teams. They know they will work but they know there will be time for play and lots of love.
Our children love to play and especially eat candy. Our boys are just that - boys and they love the same things that all boys enjoy.
We thank God for all of you and your help to the poor. You are a great blessing to us and to God. I will tell you that 30 years ago we never believed that God would use us in so many ways. We are blessed that He chose to use us and we thank you for helping Him fulfill the calling.
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
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Africa - Philippines - Mexico
Click Here for Ron & Bernadette's 2005 report from their trip to Africa.
