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December NewsletterVolume 15, No. 12 |
PJ LEADS THE 5TH ANNUAL BLC FOUNDATION DAY PARADE |
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December NewsletterVolume 15, No. 12 |
PJ LEADS THE 5TH ANNUAL BLC FOUNDATION DAY PARADE |
A FOUR-FOLD BLESSING“Praise God, after traveling around the world for sponsors for our underprivileged kids in the BLC school, there is now no waiting list. All who were waiting may now enroll!” The church burst forth with loud applause, surprising me as I gave my report. When the noise of excitement died down, I continued with the second of God’s miraculous answers to prayer as I shared. “Not only that, but you know how your school uniforms are free, covered under sponsorships. But what is lacking in the uniforms? Someone called out, “Our children’s black shoes!” “Not anymore!” I interjected as faces full of astonishment followed attentively, carried by every word. “Believers and nonbelievers from all over the world, and many denominations: Alliance, Baptist, Christian, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, Pentecostal, Catholic and others donate their black shoes. Now your uniforms will be complete- you ALL now have black shoes!” Like the torrents that pour out from Davao’s
thunderclouds during rainy season, the congregation leapt from their seats
and poured out with applause and cheers that “Now for Blessings #3 & 4: At Christmas this year, your children will have two very special gifts. First, each will receive a stuffed animal, given by the Salvation Army and by children around the world. And finally…” Elvie interjected here, flashing her winning smile as she spoke in her hoarse voice (she was still sick from our weeklong voyage from America, via NYC, Germany, Thailand and Manila). “Most of you have been relocated many kilometers away from church and school and must struggle to find rides early in the morning.” A hundred parents’ heads nodded up and down, not yet fully comprehending what Elvie was about to say. “But no longer. Your children will now have rides as we’ll have 3 jeepneys to bring you to school!” Silence. Tears streamed down the face of a mom of five who is expecting her 6th. Deep sighs of relief were breathed from dads who struggled to earn the extra pesos for their families’ pamasahe (fare) each day. After the initial shock of the surprising news was over, like a dam break these lives, warn out so many years by abject poverty, broke forth in cheers of hope and praises to God. “As a bonus,” Elvie added, not waiting for the cheering
roar and praises to God to subside, “A church in Vermont may help with a
free feeding program for you!” “AMEN!” |
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YOU KNOW YOU ARE A FILIPINO IF...You cut your grass, not with a lawnmower, but on your hands and knees with a knife. |
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DID YOU HEAR HIS VOICE?“Did you hear His voice?” 200 pupils called out to me as I stood on the stage, giving my testimony during Foundation Day at Barner Learning Center. “What?” I teased, “I can’t hear you!” “DID YOU HEAR HIS VOICE?” the children called out, in one tumultuous din. I gave them challenges from my own life: “God called me at 10 yrs old to be a missionary to the Philippines.” “Did you hear His voice?” “Yes! I promised God that one day I’d be a missionary. After seminary & 2 pastorates, I met Madam Elvie and God said, “This is the woman you will marry!” “Did you hear His voice?” “Yes! We were wed in ‘96 and started a church the next year. God told me not to leave the country til Elvie had her visa.” “Did you hear His voice?” “Yes! While waiting those four years for her visa, God told us to start a Christian school.” “Did you hear His voice?” “Yes! We did, and BLC was born. Now, God is calling you to be His child and accept His Son Jesus Christ into your heart. Will you hear His voice?” “Yes!” A little boy cried out from the front row, “I will!” |
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DO YOU HAVE A CHRISTMAS PROJECT?
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To receive the BLC newsletter in the mail, send your name and address via email to budbarner(at)yahoo.com |
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Archived Newsletters -- Return to homepage Last edited December 21, 2003Please write SteveB@boltonvt.com with comments or questions |
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