Conference President's Update for Nov. 22

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I thank the Lord for His fresh work in my own heart. He has captured my being with hope in Him and the power of His presence. I find blessing in knowing that the God of the universe takes delight in me and the little details of my life.
Our family will all be home for a Thanksgiving meal and that will be a delight for us all!
I would like to start some special Thanksgiving traditions in the Jones home. If you have some, please share them with us.

Conference President's Schedule
I was privileged to speak in revival services at East Enterprise, Indiana, with Rev. and Mrs. Rex Albring. Leland and Roanna Lindahl sang in the services. God met us and I sensed His help in preaching.
I returned home to visit with Bro. and Sis. Black who were staying at our house. What a joy to be with them and Roanna. And I just want to express to them our appreciation for their work. On behalf of this conference, THANK YOU FOR SERVING BIBLE METHODISM IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Last Sunday, Saundy and I ministered at the Pine Grove Tabernacle near Remus. There are some dear people worshipping there and we felt that God blessed our day! The pastor's wife has served EBM in the past as well as Pineview Homes. She is not well physically and I wish that we could lift Karol Thompson to the Lord. She is scheduled for surgery this Friday.
The boys and I have enjoyed some deer hunting together. Kenny and I each got little bucks. Derek may outdo us yet!

Special Note
- GBS choir ministered at the Evart Church prior to the youth lock-in at Pineview Homes. I believe there were about 270 in that rally service that was marked by the glory of God's presence. Our young people began to respond in testimony. The service lasted for about three hours. Friends, God is mightily at work among us. And, of course, the enemy will be on the alert.
- Concord honored their veterans on the last day of their revival services with Rev. Troy Keaton. There were 107 present. The church has allowed the AA group to use their Family Life Center. One of the "AA" men came to service that day and gave his heart to the Lord.
- Sis. Carol Hobbs and Sis. Heidi Weatherald lead a Girls' Retreat in Big Rapids. They spoke about "Meeting the Gardener", "Weeding your Garden" and "Planting New Seeds". God helps to take us to new levels and, thus, expand our usefulness for Him. The young ladies were encouraged to take Jesus to the point of old hurts and let Him heal the wound. Then, and only then, are we free to live in His delight to the fullest of our potential.

CONFERENCE MINUTES
Marc Lowe has sent me the remaining Conference Minutes for 2005. They cost $5.50 before postage is added. Please let me know if you are needing Minutes.

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MISSIONS NEWS

Dear Friends,

The Nehemiah Conference pastor's and I have just
returned from two days of work on the Alibagu National
Office Project. There were about 50 of us, counting
the pastor's from Jabez Conf. and the hired workers,
who worked in shifts carrying sand and gravel and
mixing cement for 29 hours straight. We're a little
sore but it's nothing that a few days in traction
won't cure!

There are many things to share with you regarding the
spiritual progress of the work here and our family,
but we'll send out a more complete update later. For
now I'm just sending along some shots of the project
for your prayers and encouragement. We really need
your constant financial support as well. Since we
started this project last year the prices on many of
the needed materials (especially steel bars and
concrete) have more than doubled! We are doing our
very best to manage this project well and to stay on
budget, but the prices of things are a huge challenge.
Thanks for your faithful support of the Philippine
Church. You are a great blessing to us!

More grace to you,
Tim
From Marc Sankey

We went to Rio Bravo yesterday morning. I played my guitar for some of the singing. I think that made a little connection with Santiago. The kids then went off to Sunday School and Bro. Eli taught/preached the Sunday School lesson in the church. He had prepared a statement in English that he read publicly to us, officially welcoming us to Mexico. It was very meaningful.
When the kids came back in from Sunday School the Mexican children sang Father Abraham in Spanish of course while our 3 boys sat on the front seat and observed. I kind of wondered why they weren't participating. Then when the mexican children were through the S.S. teacher had our 3 boys get up in front of the church and sing Father Abraham in English with all the motions. Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot nod your head turn around. It was hilarious but it connected well with the people. They seemed to really enjoy our blond-headed boys singing.
Then Eli and Isela invited us to their house for lunch - a very delicious meal. Eli wasted no time making a connection with me. He said that he was glad that I was in Mexico and he said that he felt that it was very good that I was young, because the Mexico work needs new vision and passion, etc.. He seemed eager to get on board. He showed me alot of information about the Institute. We can talk more about this on the phone but all in all, we made a strong connection yesterday. We went to Victor's house for a few moments before going to Soledad for the evening service. In the middle of the service right before Bro. Homero preached he asked if we would sing a song. So on the spur of the moment, we did. I played my guitar while we sang "Have I Done My Best for Jesus?" in English of course. And then Homero gave the translation at the end of the song.
Eli was asking about the possibility of purchasing new software for the school computers in the amount of about $60. Are these kinds of matters involving similar amounts of funds at my discretion or do I need to run these types of things by you or someone else? We have $3500 in the missions account and over $1000 in the LABI account.
I'll probably call you later and we can talk more then.
Blessings,
Marc



Dear Friends of Bible Methodist Missions in Mexico,

I am writing this email to request special prayer for our pastor in Rio Bravo, MX: Bro. Santiago Hernandez.
He went to the doctor yesterday and the doctors are quite concerned about some physical problems that he has. He has been experiencing pain and numbness throughout his body and last night in the service we observed very plainly a degree of facial paralysis on the right side of his face; similar to the evidence of a stroke. Bro. Victor (a layman in the church) and I annointed Bro. Santiago and prayed for him during the service. Also there was an impromptu collection taken up from among the church people to help cover his medical expenses. He is scheduled for more tests - possibly an MRI - in the next few days. He is basically unable to carry on his duties as pastor and teacher in the Institute until the problem is cared for. Last night, one of the students preached for him and I am planning to preach for him on Sunday night.
Please help us pray for Bro. Santiago and his family. As you can imagine this is quite concerning to him, his wife, and 3 children. I know that God is able to touch him and to give the doctors wisdom as they care for him.

Thank you for your concern and prayers.
Marc Sankey

I just received word tonight from Bro. Homero Luna that Bro. Santiago Hernandez has been taken to the hospital in Reynosa, MX. His symptoms are worsening. The doctor has told the family that he will need to be in the hospital for at least 3-4 days to do more testing and try to find out what's wrong with him. This, of course, will incur potentially significant cost for this precious Bible Methodist pastor and family.

If God would lay it on your heart to give something monetarily in addition to your spiritual contribution of prayer, I'm sure that the family would be greatly appreciative. You may contribute to this need by sending your gifts to Missions Treasurer, Monte Stetler at P.O. Box 18128 Elsmere, KY 41018.

Blessings,
Marc Sankey