Prayer Update - Mindanao, Philippines
TIMOTHY (DU9/KEØQ) & GLORIA HAGQUIST
July 2007
". . . and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples
and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb . . ." (Revelation 7:9, NASB). |
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We are now in a new place, in a new culture, with a new language and facing the many challenges of ministering cross-culturally.
But in the midst of change, there is the constant reminder that being involved in world missions is really worth it. One day, those
who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, will have the incredible privilege of "standing before the throne and before
the Lamb" and worshiping Him with people "from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues." Missions is all
about Him!
Praises
Praise the Lord, we finally got into our house on May 24th after some setbacks. It's been sort of a long process and their have been
some challenges, but we're in a good location that is also safe. We're still not totally settled because of ministry priorities, but we're
getting closer. We praise the Lord because we are HOME now after almost 12 months of being transient.
We are thankful that the Lord has already opened many doors for ministry here. Already we're actively involved in the development of
Hope Mountain Ministries. Here's just a few things that have happened since our arrival in April: (1) The Hope Mountain Board met and
developed a new Mission Statement, Vision Statement and Core Values; (2) The plans for the goat house have been completed, the land has
been cleared, and building will begin on July 16. (3) We have purchased two new motorcycles for Hope Mountain Ministries with the gifts
that were provided by some of our faithful partners in the U.S; (4) A gathering of about 20 key Christian professionals has been schedule
for July 21 to establish a Hope Mountain Action Team. These professionals will provide the expertise to move the development of Hope
Mountain forward. As each of these individuals were identified and contacted, we were almost overwhelmed by the response. 22 of the 24
contacted have committed themselves to attend this meeting and all have expressed great interest and enthusiasm, and they are excited
about the possibilities of Hope Mountain becoming a launching pad for transformational ministries in Mindanao and beyond. (5) Pastor Don
Furrow, pastor of a supporting in Sun City West, taught a class at CBS-Asia Seminary in Manila and then spent four days with us in ministry
here in Mindanao. Pastor Don was a real encouragement to us. (6) We currently are hosting two college age girls from Manzanita Baptist
Church in Kingman, AZ. They are working at a Christian orphanage here and staying at Hope Mountain. Jacque and Cassie are doing really well
and we're thankful for their commitment and willingness to serve here. (7) Another short-team will be coming from our church in Quezon City
towards the end of July. This is a women's cell group who will be staying at Hope Mountain doing children's outreach and painting the stage
in our covered basketball court. It's exciting to see people taking on various jobs to upgrade the facilities at Hope Mountain. (8) We have
been spending time with the Hope Mountain staff in prayer, Bible study and developing relationships.
Praise the Lord for the great privilege of having the opportunity to serve Him in this place at this time. We are blessed!
We are truly blessed by being part of the WorldVenture family.
Prayer Needs
Pray that the Lord will do a great work as we gather at Hope Mountain on July 21 to establish the Hope Mountain Action Team. Pray that
the Lord will raise up the right leader to oversee the ministry of this group, that there will be great unity, and that there will be a clear
vision for the future of Hope Mountain.
Pray for Jacque and Cassie as they continue their short-term mission at the orphanage here in Davao City. Pray for their safety, and pray
that they will have a great impact among the children and staff. Pray also that the Lord will guide them both as they plan for the possibility
of missions in the future.
Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom, health, strength and safety, and that we will be able to balance ministry responsibilities with
the needs of getting settled in our house.
Pray for wisdom as we are in the process of coordinating two more short-term mission teams between now and the end of January, and
probably more as 2008 progresses.
Pray for our national mission team as we going through the process of strategic planning. We met in June in Manila and will be meeting
again in October. Pray for Marty Shaw, our Asia Director, as he provides guidance in this important process of seeking God's will and direction
for the future ministry in the Philippines.
Pray for Vincent, Debbie Jothi. This is the Indian family who studied at the International School of Theology (ISOT) in Manila. They returned
to India in April and are now seeking the Lord as to where He would have them minister and with what organization. They are struggling with financial
and physical needs and desperately need our prayers. India is a spiritually needy part of the world, and the Johti family are well equipped to
effectively minister there. You may write them at note of encouragement at vincent62india@yahoo.com.ph.
Pray for Pastor Johnny Dalisay, our Mindanao Director. He carries a heavy load as he oversees over 100 churches and is involved in numerous
ministries here. Pray that he will have wisdom, health and strength, and for protection as he travels into some very unstable areas.
Pray for our WorldVenture missionaries here in the Philippines. "Over the past year, the Philippine Peso has appreciated in value from 55 pesos
to 1 dollar to 47 pesos to 1 dollar. That is a 15% reduction in buying power for our salary and ministry funds. When we exchange our dollars to pesos we
no longer receive as many pesos as a year ago. However, prices for things such as gasoline, food, clothing, etc. continue to go up." This reduction
in the value of the U.S. dollar impacts ministry here. Pray that the Lord would provide the additional funds for all our missionaries to continue to
effectively serve in the Philippines.
The spiritual and physical needs here in Mindanao are overwhelming and only the Lord can meet the needs. Pray that there will be a great movement of
God's Spirit and the Church will be mobilized to extend God's love to the unreached and faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Above all, pray that Christ will be reflected in our lives and that He will be greatly glorified.
We want to thank each of you for your faithful prayer and support. You are each a vital part of the ministry here in the Philippines!
Timothy & Gloria Hagquist |
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