YOUTH CENTER HAS FIRST WORSHIP

Last Friday night the first worship service was held at the Youth Center. The team expected around 60-70 students to attend so were completely astounded when more than 110 students attended. Our center is only 20 x 20 feet and the chairs inside were filled--some by two students. The stairs leading up to the center were also completely full.

The night was filled with singing intersperesed with short devotional talks.

Pray for those who attend the monthly worship service to have a desire to learn more about God's love for them.

DISCIPLESHIP CLASS

A few months ago we shared about Dinah, a young woman who came up to the Youth Center when she heard the drums. Dinah enrolled in a Bible Study and was baptized several weeks ago. Following her baptism Alma (Youth Center employee) invited Dinah to join a discipleship class with one other young woman. Dinah accepted the invitation and brought her sister with her to join the discipleship group. After a few weeks of the discipleship studies Dinah's sister and the other young woman accepted Christ as their savior and were baptized last Sunday by Eddie assisted by Alma. We rejoice as these two young women have given their lives to Christ and continue to study God's word with Alma.

This is the first time Alma led a Bible study and she was quite hesitant to do so. Here is Alma's response to the baptisms of Harlan and Kristina-Lyn.

"When I first learned I would be leading a Bible study I was worried about not being adequate to teach. I was scared thinking that the student might not believe me because I don't know how to do it. When Harlan and Kristina went forward to receive the Lord I was crying. My heart pounded so fast. I can't believe that they will receive Christ that soon despite the very short time we spent together in studying. I felt an inner joy. I was shocked when Pastor Eddie wanted to include me to baptize them but after the baptisms I was very happy. It was my first time to assist because I thought that only a pastor or elder must do a baptism. The experience increased my faith and confidence to share and teach somebody about the Word of God. It was a stepping stone to continue on and to become more effective to share the gospel."

Please pray for Alma, Dinah, Harlin, and Kristina Lyn as they continue to study scripture together. Pray for the three new Christians to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

SHEWMAKERS IN STATES

Rodger and Dixie are in the states for November and December to visit family, attend the National Missionary Convention, and visit with some of our supporters/supporting churches.
We are in close contact with our co-workers in the Philippines and are excited and amazed at the things that are happening.

November 1 was the beginning of second semester in the schools, at the Youth Ministry we are beginning the second semester of tutorials, Bible Studies and activities.
Some of the changes for second semester are:
Friday nights will include monthly worship services, Fusion nights (games and other interactive activities), music nights and mystery nights.
Tutorials in Keyboard (musical not computer) will be offered.
Full band practice will be limited to Wednesdays and drum tutorials will be scheduled so they don't interfere with Bible Studies. (I'm sure you can imagine what it would be like to have a Bible Study in the same room as someone practicing the drums!)
A big Christmas party at the beach is planned for December.
Thanks to internet we are able to receive photos of the current happenings and will update the blog.

Please pray for the team as they capably carry-on the work in our absence. Pray for hearts to be moved in accordance to God's will as we speak to churches and individuals regarding needs of the Youth Center.

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.

Manila is experiencing one of the worst floods in several decades. We have a niece and nephew there - stranded in their home (streets flooded, not their home) and their youngest son is with friends across town. He had been to a volley ball game and is stuck with the rest of the team at one of the kids house (sounds like fun!) They are without power.

We experienced some rain and mild wind, but that is all.

The youth center continues to minister to students. The team is beginning to function more efficiently and coming to a better understanding of meeting the needs of the kids. We meet as a team on a weekly basis for Bible Study, communication, and planning. Thank you for your continued prayers.

CELEBRATE WITH US!

Today we celebrate the second birth of Dinah as she accepts Christ as her personal savior!
Dinah was mentioned in our newsletter as someone who heard the sound of drums coming from the Youth Center and inquired about what was happening. She joined in Bible study with Cherry, Youth Center volunteer, and later with Eddie.
Join with us in praising God for how He can use a set of drums and loud music to call out to those seeking Him!
Thank you to those who have given finances for us to purchase instruments, furniture and our other needs for the Youth Center. The free music turorials draws the students into the center--but it is the message of Christ that transforms lives. Others are considering this most important step for their lives--pray for their decision to be to follow Christ.