Ron & Bernadette Gartner

March 2008

"He said, Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God." Job 1:21-22 NIV

Philippines

Last month we reported on Pastor Janet Valera’s condition and asked everyone to pray for her healing. God has chosen to heal her by taking her home to her rewards. Pastor Janet’s nurse said she saw and heard her talking personally to God, praising and worshipping the Lord. Then she said, "it is finished", and she was gone.

Please pray for her three surviving children and the congregation of the church of Tagum City. Anyone who was going to give to help Pastor Janet with medical expenses may feel free to dedicate those donations to her funeral expenses.

Her funeral expenses came to $850.00 and the children’s school fees are $350.00. This is not a lot in US dollars but for her children it is a fortune. Please pray for these children and our Pastors as they all miss her very much.

Ro-ann the eldest daughter of Pastor Janet at the funeral expressing thanks to all who helped with donations and prayers.

Ro-ann playing guitar and three members of the congregation singing at the funeral.

Several of the Refuge New Life pastors who attended the funeral. Pastor Aquino Quiring delivered the message.

Final goodbye, thank you Lord for a faithful servant.

Pastor Janet’s eldest daughter, Ro-ann will be taking charge of the new church plant in Tagum City that her mother founded. There is already a group of about 25 committed members who are meeting on Sundays. We will encourage Ro-ann to attend the Bible School on a part time basis to better prepare herself for the work of the ministry. Please pray for her and for this church plant to grow. After the great sacrifice Pastor Janet made to establish this church we are believing for God to do great things there.

Please pray for Ron & Bernadette as well, as this has been a very difficult time for them. This is the first pastor they have lost since establishing the work in the Philippines and they feel like these pastors are family.

Mexico

In February a work team came from Geneva Lakes Church, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin to help with the construction of the Children’s Home on the farm.

Sunday afternoon they were able to take all the children to the park for a day of fun where they all had a great time. Basketball was the order of the day.I’m not sure who won but I know they all had fun.

Matthew worked hard with the hammer and chisel. We were blessed with a hard working team and a loving one. Thank you all for all your hard work.

POWER TEAM Mixing cement by hand. Oh, how we wish we could get a cement truck in here.

It is so much fun to play with our children. I am not sure who enjoys it more.

Our little boys love to help or is just getting into the dirt and cement that is so much fun.