Update

	>> David's Update

October, 2010

Dear friends and family,

After a trip it’s always difficult to condense so many experiences into a few paragraphs. Perhaps some photos will help. After speaking in China I flew to Manila where I joined up with Pastor Roy and we traveled south to Mindanao. The poverty in the provinces is so much greater than in Manila though I didphotograph this homeless family living on the street by my hotel with all their possessions in a box. They were happy to pose after I fed them and gave them money.

Prior to leaving, our finances were at the lowest in memory and a couple felt led to provide $2000 for Bibles and other needs along the way. It was a divine provision as so many problems and pportunities popped up. I had already agreed to provide Bibles as I always do In one Church 2/3 of the congregation did not have one.

Our host family found out I was on Facebook and several of the young people have written thank you notes. We had to hire a taxi for trips to the mountains. The driver had been away from God, but came on two altar calls. The condition of his cab kept us in prayer. In one Church of over 100 people the entire congregation came forward. Some came to Christ and others were unable to afford medical help for a host of serious ailments. One young mother had a growth inside her nose, but couldn’t afford an MRI. We prayed and paid for the scan the next morning. She is now awaiting surgery to remove it.

Pastor Roy’s 8 year old daughter has a tumor growing behind her ear pressing on the brain that was scanned last week. A lovely young mother sobbed as she said I need a husband and a father for my baby. A 16 yr old cried and said she wanted to finish school then she said “I have a one year old baby.” I would find it difficult to live there as the problems just break my heart. Half the population seems to have abnormally high blood pressure; in part due to their diet of salted fish causing many who are not treated to die young.

Before leaving for Korea I stayed 6 days in a heavily guarded campground. The owner personally thanked me for coming as he said, “tourists will not come here now.” The Muslim rebels have destroyed the tourism industry. One larger Church invited me back for their anniversary celebrations in December. I would love to go. In fact I would keep flying until I am not able to any more. If any have frequent flier miles you can share I do belong to several programs. It’s sad to let them expire when they can be gifted.

I discovered that September is the perfect month to visit Korea. Their summers and winters are so extreme. I met with cell leaders at a prominent Presbyterian Church and spoke at a meeting in
the middle of the red light and transvestite area of Seoul. My hosts, whom I led to Christ 6 years ago, have opened a private English school where I also got to practice my English.

In August Jason was admitted for open heart surgery. The operation was a huge success and his recovery at home has been amazing. Meanwhile Darlene has continued to struggle with her knee pain and the doctor finally ordered an MRI that showed a large bone fragment which has frayed her meniscus. She will have surgery in 3 weeks.

All told I took 100 photos, but I’d like to close with this family shot, it was the first time we have all been together in 15 years!

May God bless you with His peace and power.

In His Love,

David & Darlene.