November 2007
"But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. For surely, Oh Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield." Psalm 5: 11-12
Philippines
Pastor Edwin Medalla, one of the Pastors we support in the Philippines, is doing a great job since taking over the church in Kauran.
When we lived in the Philippines we put Edwin through High School and then later through College. Edwin was born into a very poor family with many children. Though he was a good student his parents could not afford to send him to High School or College. He was a dedicated Christian with excellent grades and graduated College with a degree. He also went through our Bible School.
A few years ago he came to us and told us of the calling he felt on his life to be a Pastor. We asked him to join us and to take over the church in Kauran which had just lost its Pastor. Kauran is a poor area that was in need of a dedicated Pastor who could trust God for His needs. Most of the members are poor rice farmers and the only thing they can tithe is the crops from their fields. Edwin willingly took on this position and has done a great job. In the 4 years he has Pastored in Kauran, not only is the church full but he has planted 2 daughter churches in this poor area. All 3 churches are thriving under his supervision.
We received the following report from Pastor Encar:
"Apostle Ron,
Last Sunday, Pastor Edwin Medalla celebrated the 4th Anniversary in their Church at Kauran. Two daughter churches of the Kauran Church joined with them. They had around 220 in attendance."
Pastor Edwin and his congregation during the Anniversary celebration.
Pastor Fe Corpuz (center)the Principal of Ron Gartner Bible College. Engr. Arioder Rico (left) Student Renewal Supporter Adviser. Jane Flauta (right) the Pioneering Pastor at Gen. Santos City.
She was one of the speakers for the Anniversary.
Pastor Edwin and his mother and some of the Bible School Students who attended the Anniversary.
Here are some of the Bible School Students. They are all studying very hard and looking forward to being able to preach the Gospel with knowledge and power.
Mexico
This month we will have a 3 day Conference in Juarez at Pastor Valentine’s church. Ron will speak and translate. Pastor Warren Hoyt from Jesus Chapel in El Paso, TX will speak along with Sharon Reed and Judy Ellison from Indiana. We know this will be anointed and a great blessing for the people. This church in Juarez has been having monthly Unity Meetings where 5 or 6 churches gather to worship. We expect many will come from the other churches to be blessed by the guest speakers. Our desires are for the Pastors to fellowship together and work as one body.
Christmas
What a great time of year this is. With all the decorations, great food, and shopping for our loved ones let us not lose sight of the real reason for the season. Jesus loves each and every one of us and wants us all to come to Him. Enjoy your blessings but remember Him.
We know that some of you want to bless our children at Christmas. We ask that you remember that the shipping and then the 5 hour trip to the Children’s Home all take time. So please mail early. If you do not want the expense of mailing then a check will do. If you want certain items for the children a little note telling us of those items will insure we get what you want the children to receive.
Every year we pray our children will know the true meaning of Christmas. We also would like to bless them with presents. Our children normally do not ask for anything but if prompted they do not have a list. They usually want only one item like underwear, socks, or other basic clothing items.
We love every one of our children and we thank God for their changed lives. Without a loving home and Christ in their hearts who knows where they would be. Each one has a heart breaking story of abandonment or abuse of the worst kind. Please pray for our children at Christmas as it can be a difficult time for them when they remember the reasons they are with us.A special gift or two at Christmas can make the season much easier for those who wish they had their natural family to celebrate this holiday. Though we do our best to create a family atmosphere for the children, and they love the directors, it is still not the same as having your own family around you at Christmas time. This time of year should be filled with love and joy but sometimes it is hard for our children.
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.
