March 2009
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: " He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever."
Mexico
The construction on the farm is coming along nicely. Because of the extreme danger in Mexico we have not had any work teams recently. However, we have been able to continue the construction with national laborers. The following shows the progression of some of the work. We hope to finish the construction at the farm quickly so we can move all the children out of the city. The children love it there and can hardly wait for the work to be finished.
This will be the kitchen and dining hall. The workers are beginning to lay the block for the walls. The dining hall in the city will not seat everyone at once therefore, they must eat in shifts. The new one on the farm will be larger so we can have enough tables to seat everyone at once. The children are excited about the new facilities and cannot wait until they are finished.
The walls are up and the rebar is being put in place to pour the cement header.
The cement will be mixed on the ground and carried up in a plastic bucket to pour the header.
The cement header holds everything in place and keeps the wall solid.
Some of our children are asking Jesus to bless their food in the current dining hall with our rustic wooden table and chairs.
Philippines
The Pastors and leaders in the Philippines are very anxious to have Ron come and visit this year as he was unable to go last year. Every year that Ron has gone the ministry organizes a large conference for Pastors and leaders. Any Pastors in the rural areas surrounding Cotabato City have very little opportunity to receive teaching or encouragement apart from this conference. Ron really feels the need to go this year and has a team in place. The Pastors and leaders will be greatly blessed by the team. The problem is finances or lack thereof. The giving is down and the budget is tight at Refuge Ministries. We seldom make special appeals for finances but this year we feel the need to share this with you. Our Pastors and many other Pastors from miles around come and are fed both spiritually and physically at the conference. Many of these Pastors will preach for a long time on things they learned at the conference from the anointed speakers.
The conference in Cotabato City is scheduled for June and Ron needs to purchase his ticket by the first of May. We must also send money to feed the Pastors at the conference. They will come from many denominations and many miles away. This has always been a blessing in the past and we know it will be so now.
If any churches would like to take a special offering to help Ron with his trip to the Philippines we would greatly appreciate it. Please let it not take away from any regular support as giving has already fallen this year. Also if any individuals would like to do a special fund raiser (bake sale, craft fair, luncheon etc.) it would be a great help. If you would like to just send an extra offering for this it would be a blessing.
Pastors and leaders being refreshed as the Spirit of God falls in a previous conference. It is always a privilege to minister to these humble servants of God. They sacrifice so much and put their lives in danger for the Gospel. Please pray that God will provide for us to help these willing servants. If you are able to help us with this trip remember that no gift is too small. If we all work together we can make this happen for the Kingdom of God.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
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.
