At Year's End

We just returned from 8 days in Manila and Cebu during the Christmas break. I was asked to speak on a lectureship in Manila on Dec. 23, and it was a blessing to have been there. There were 150 present from all corners of the Philippines, including old friend, missionary Bob Buchanan. What a joy to see him again! This was a difficult Christmas for us in some ways, however, as it was our first one apart from our daughter Lauren who is studying at Lubbock Christian University. At least we were able to talk with her on the phone on Christmas Day. We returned home to Tacloban late Dec. 26, very tired from bus rides and ferry rides.
Dear friends, thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your love and support and all the great prayers for us and our work. We believe the first full year of Project Philippines has been a success in many ways. And that's because of you and your help. Plans for the future are taking shape as well. We still have no property, as there have been many problems with the property we had targeted. It was discovered that the inheritance tax had never been paid and amounts to a huge bill. The owners asked us to pay it but we believe that would be a poor use of funds. Therefore we pulled out of the transaction. But we hope to have something soon, and are considering other properties at present. Please pray for this purchase; that we can find just the right place.
We'd like to make a plea for help as well. Our support seems great some months, then other months... well, a little less. Some who had been regular supporters seem to have ceased their good help without informing us. Friends, we understand. We know the economy is taking large hits. If you need to cease your support of Project Philippines for whatever reason, we understand. But we ask you please let us know so we can have a better idea of our funding for 2009.
As always, we pray the Lord's richest blessings on you all, our great supporters. Every single day in our daily chapel at Leyte Christian College, we pray for our supporters. Our young men know their studies and their future as gospel preachers are dependent on you and your help. Thank you all so much. All of us on the team of Project Philippines wish you and yours a very happy and blessed new year.