Dear Prayer Partners,
God has done some amazing things in the last part of 2007 here in
the Philippines and here are some of the highlights.
October
We had a great Rotary Club Event in Marikina
City; over 300 received Christ as their personal Savior and many
committed themselves to purity as well. We also appreciate Pastor
Lewis and Karen McClendon and Harry White coming over from Ventura
Baptist Church to host our couples retreat and help with sound
system seminars. 6 churches were able to have their people trained
on properly running and repairing sound systems by Mr. White; it was
a real blessing. Pastor and Mrs. McClendon also blessed us at our
couples retreat and church services. One couple that came to the
retreat was from one of our satellite services. The wife, Melanie,
is the caretaker at that church; she had never been able to get her
husband to come to church, but he came to the retreat. After hearing
the teaching he decided to go to church the next day and he got
saved at church on Sunday morning.
November
We were able to start two new church services
from our main church - one in an area called Santolan and the other
at Eastwood. We had over 250 at our launching service and have
averaged over 130 since. We held our Anniversary Sunday at Eastwood
and had two great services there. We are averaging 100 at this
service. Pray that we would be able to reach more people in these
areas. Thanks to everyone who gave to that project; people are
already being reached and saved at these services.
December
With the help of Calvary Baptist Church in Yorba
Linda, CA, we were able to start construction on another church in
our Mangyan tribal area. It will be completed early in 2008. As we
have reached out with new services and churches, our enemy is not
happy. We have faced some trials in our churches in the last two
months of this year. We know that all things work together for good
for those of us who are saved and we ask you to pray for us and our
church that God would protect us and give us wisdom as we serve Him
in the Philippines.
Prayer Requests and Upcoming
Events
Devaluation of the Dollar - since we were
here in 2006, we have lost around 25% of our purchasing power; it
has really taken its toll on us financially. We are very thankful
for the new partners we were able to add on furlough and your
faithfulness in giving every month - it's a blessing!
Continued growth in our new locations - pray that after the
holidays that we would be able to reach children, youth and families
in these areas.
Philippines National Women's Conference - January 19, 2008 -
Melanie has a goal of 1000 ladies attending this conference with
international guest speakers, national speakers and great music.
It's a one day event and the cost is $15 per lady. Would you
consider sponsoring some ladies who won't have the funds to go as
well as visitors who need to hear the Gospel? Please mark
funds: GOTCHER-LADIES CONFERENCE.
Youth Camp 2008
It's time to start preparing for youth camp
again. We are planning another 2 weeks of camp for 2008. We have
many churches and groups like the Rotary Clubs that have already
committed to bring young people. With the new exchange rates, our
rates for camp will go up to $30 per camper but we are asking our
youth to pay $10 for their camp fee and we will be raising $20 per
camper to offset that. Every year we see great impact from camp in
salvations and in young people committing to serve and surrender to
the ministry. We are asking you again this year to commit to
sponsoring young people that won't have the chance to go to youth
camp if there is not someone to sponsor them. Here's a breakdown of
how you can help:
1 camper = $20
5 campers = $100
10 campers = $200
20 campers = $400
50 campers = $1000
100 campers = $2000
Once again we are planning on having up to 2000 campers. Please mark
donations:
GOTCHER - CAMP FUNDS 2008. Your gifts for camp really do make
an impact in young people's lives for eternity.
Personal Needs
We are in need of a second vehicle. Our
current vehicle broke down 3 times last week and in Manila reliable
transportation is a necessity. We are trying to raise $12,000
for this vehicle.
Added School Tuition and Visa Costs - We recently found out
that our children's school tuition went up substantially - about
$1200 total. Also our Visa to stay in the country has been
implemented but it is costing us $1000 more than we were
budgeting based on prices in the past.
I know I've
shared many needs in this letter - it can be overwhelming sometimes!
But, as you see, the need to share the Gospel is so great here in
the Philippines. We know and believe that God can meet these needs
and do more than that. We really do serve an awesome God. We pray
you have a blessed 2008. Thank you for your faithfulness in praying
and giving, sending emails and cards - it's a great encouragement to
us.
In Christ,
The Gotchers