Metro Manila, Philippines
APRIL 2006
Dear Friends and Family,
We are so excited for the arrival of our new baby girl in June! Tina is now 7 months along and we are all counting down the weeks. Only 10 more weeks to go.
We've had 2 teams come since January and would like to share the updates on them as well as what's going on with the UCPP (Urban Church Planting Project) here in Manila.
January 2006
CPI Training
The 3rd Annual Church Planting Institute Training was held in Tagaytay the second week of January. Twenty teams were trained on how to start a church that adopts and make a difference in their community. Pastor Jim Hayford was able to speak, train and encourage the upcoming planters. For photos of the CPI Training, click
here.
Update on Tina's Father
Tina's father is truly a miracle. We want to thank you for all your prayers of healing and recovery. Tina made another trip to Japan with her sister Ret to help on his discharge from the hospital to home. He is now here in Manila recovering while attending his rehab three times a week. A special thank you to Tina's eldest sister, Marissa, for dropping everything to care for Dad here in Manila. She has been a real drill sergeant. For pictures, click
here.
February 2006
Preschool Educators' Team
A team of six ladies from Eastside Foursquare Church in Bothell, WA spent nine days here in Manila. Patty
Sabandal led the team, along with Esther Ames, Rachel Bartlow, Susie Horn, Patricia Shirley, and Sheila Weisbrod. What a hardworking group of ladies! They were ready to get to work as soon as they checked in their hotel. This group was a big encouragement to our UCPP Preschool teachers, students and parents. The first three days they attended the UCPP Preschool Teachers' Retreat where they taught new skills, class management, prayed and encouraged the teachers. They laughed and cried as they got to know the teachers more on a personal level. The rest of the week was very busy as they divided into three groups and visited 17 of our 31 preschools. Here the team taught the classes as the UCPP teachers observed new styles of teaching. Again the UCPP teachers were very encouraged and are excited to use what they've learned. We hope to have a Preschool Educators' Team come annually since it was a huge success! For pictures, click
here.
March 2006
Family Trip to Guam
A big thank you to Tina's sister Ret and her boyfriend Jay Katz for providing us airline passes to Guam since they are employed with Continental Airlines. What a treat! We spent a week in Guam for the kids' Spring Break. We also thank our wonderful friends Jeff and Jane Jones for letting us stay with them and for being such wonderful hosts. They have four children of their own and just loved Cameron and Carina. We had a great time with them as we laughed, ate, prayed and just visited with each other. We also enjoyed just breathing the fresh clean air and being on American soil. Funny how we take this for granted. We all just had a wonderful and restful time with our family and friends in Guam. For pictures, click
here.
Medical Team
We had a team of nine that came to serve our UCPP churches and their community on a
medical mission. This team was led by Gary and Rosemary Requa. Team members were Troy and Laura Enright, Matt and Jeannie Deitz,Linda Ingersoll, Wendy Bingham and her daughter Jasmine Palmer. This team were real troopers. Not only did they work hard but they also came during the hot summer days in the Philippines. Though this was a short trip, they managed to see over 1500 patients in only four days in two of our church plant communities. 150 of these patients prayed with the church counselors to accept Jesus. Praise God! For pictures, click
here.
Pastor Jim Hayford's Visit
Our family was very encouraged to have our senior pastor from Eastside Foursquare Church in Bothell, WA come visit us in Manila. Even though it was a short visit, it was a much needed visit where he helped guide us and talked about the future plans of the UCPP project.
Prayers Answered
Prayer Requests
2006 Missions & Outreach Teams to Manila
May 8-19: CAB Manila Team
College-aged students will focus on evangelism, sports ministry, and working among the poor. For
more information contact DJ Vick at djv@eastsidechurch.org. Cost: $1300.00
October (Dates TBD): Music Mission to Manila
This team will conduct concerts, lead worship and do workshops among the UCPP churches. For
more information contact Tim Oas at timo@eastsidechurch.org. Cost : $1400.00
November 5-14: Manila Plunge & SMI Study Tour
This is a "hands-on", missions, ministry, and educational encounter. Team members will gain a
first-hand look at the UCPP, cross cultural experience, ministry to the poor, and instruction from those ministering among the poor in Manila.
You do no have to be an SMI student to join. Contact Chuck Shocki at chucks@eastsidechurch.org for more information. Cost: $1650.00
November ( Dates TBD): Manila Construction Team
If you have construction skills and would like to be a part of a team to Manila during 2006, please
contact Matt Messner at mattm@eastsidechurch.org. Cost: $1400.00
December (Dates TBD): Bags of Joy Distribution Team
This team will help conduct Christmas parties for the preschoolers of the UCPP and their parents
where 1300 "Bags of Joy" from Eastside Foursquare Church will be distributed. If you are interested in this team, pleae email Shara Evangelista
at sharae@eastsidechurch.org. Cost: $1300.00
Filipino Recipe Corner
Easy Chicken Adobo
(Chicken Stew)
2-1/2 lbs. chicken, cut into serving pieces
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorn, cracked
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3/4 teaspoon salt or desired amount to taste
vegetable oil for frying
Combine all ingredients in a deep glass or stainless steel pan, coating chicken evenly with spices. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce
heat to medium low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until tender. Gently turn chicken occasionally during the course of cooking.
Remove chicken pieces from sauce and pan-fry in a little oil until browned on both sides. Transfer to a serving platter. Remove fat from sauce
then pour sauce over chicken if desired. Serve warm with steamed rice. Serves 5-6.
Tip: Flavor of this dish improves with time after cooking. It tastes even better when served the next day. Store in refrigerator.