YOUTH CENTER BURGLARY

Police dusting for fingerprints

This morning when Joel and Alma arrived at the Youth Center to open for the day they discovered that the Center had been broken into. From the evidence it appeared that after attempting to break in through the door the burglars were able to bend the bars that covered a window, break glass panes and enter. Once inside they destroyed the door frame in order to enter the office--where they proceeded to pry open the locks of all four desks. Items taken from the center were a desktop computer, monitor, keyboard, auto-volt regulator and about P2,000 ($45) in cash. They also scattered files and other office items around the office.

The team reported the break-in to the police who came to look at the scene, take pictures and dust for fingerprints.

We are all thankful that even though we have lost some items no one was at the center or injured. Normally the team would have gone to the bank to withdraw money for bills on Friday, but this week they hadn't--so we did not lose as much cash as we might have. Also, there were several guitars in the office that were not touched. We have learned some lessons regarding securing the Center.

Pray for the team as we move forward with our eyes firmly on the goal to make disciples.

CATCH UP TIME

For the past few months almost all of our time was consumed by the Youth Ministry, but now we finally have a little bit of time to get some other work done. We have been in the Philippines for 21 years and this is first time that Rodger has had time to work in developing a garden. The ground in our front yard is uneven so he is leveling it by hand, one shovel at a time. So far we have 1 squash , 8 basil and 3 tomato plants--not much but it is a beginning. It is relaxation for Rodger who loves to garden and grow things.

At the Youth Center the volumn of kids has seemed to even out--we think that the size of the center is the major factor, you can only put so many people in a room that is 20x20. We are in the process of interviewing applicants with a plan to hire one more staff person. We're looking for someone with a passion for youth ministry, able to lead Bible studies and tutorials. The next semester begins November 1 and we want to have the new employee in place and ready to go by then so we can increase our ability to work with more students. Pray for us to have wisdom and insight as we proceed in this.

Rodger spends one afternoon a week mentoring Eddie, the young man who is doing the administrative work on the team. Pray for their time together to be productive and a blessing for both of them.

Next week Dixie will travel to California and spend a couple of weeks with her sister and mother before Rodger joins her. We will travel to Illinois where we will spend time with Rodger's family and attend the National Missionary Convention in Peoria, Illinois. December will be spent in Tennessee with Beth and North Carolina with Andie and Mark and our four precious grandchildren. Then, in January we will return to the Philippines. (Maxie will stay with Alma at her home--for those of you interested.)

It's time to get going for today--updating financial records, final prep on a brochure.