BIAO IN 2009

We have decided to move forward in faith and travel to the Philippines to finalize plans for our 2010 mission trip. My wife, Cherry left on the 18th of February to get things ready for Maria and I (Gordon) to arrive in March. We will be leaving on the 5th and looking forward to the trip. I am excited about the wonderful weather and seeing family that I have not seen in over 10 years. Most of all, I am excited about God's plan of establishing a church in Cherry's home village. With the economic condition in the states our financial situation has suffered much like everyone else. We have prayed intensively for months and placing our faith that God will provide the funds for the trip this year and in 2010. If it is in God's will, we have confidence that everything will fall into place. Upon our return we will provide an update on the progress we made and of course pictures will be included.

SHOTS IN PREPARTION FOR MARCH 2009 TRIP

I discussed our March 2009 trip with our family doctor and he reviewed the CDC Travelers Health information with us. The CDC recommends a Rabies Vaccine if spending a lot of time in a rural area. We have elected not to get this shot as there has not been any known cases in the area where we are visiting. The CDC also recommends a shot for Japanese encephalitis, according to our local Health Department this was discontinued in 2006. Our doctor will provide us with antimalarial medication and drugs for food poisoning as a preventive measures.

• Hepatitis A - Two doses @ $20 plus $8 admin fee = $48
• Hepatitis B- Considered life long if you had the series of 3 in the past. once
• Typhoid - Series of 3 for $46 +admin fee $8 = $53
• Rabies - We are not getting this, no know cases in area where traveling.
• Japanese encephalitis - discontinued in 2006

FARM - RICE PATTIES AND SUGAR CANE FIELDS

We are getting excited about our trip to the Philippines to visit family and plan for our mission trip to Biao. My wife, Cherry has been working hard at building up the family farm, which is not an easy job from the states. It is amazing how dedicate and determined that she has been throughout this process. She organized the planting of several rice patties and now is starting to work on planting sugar cane. She is determined establish the family farm again after her mothers death. I would be willing to bet that it will work out well, she has all of the drive and vigor of her mother. I am looking forward to seeing how the rice and sugar is growing when we arrive in March. It is our aspirations to build up the farm and relocate there some day to further develop mission work in the Bioa area.

We ask our friends and family to continue to remember us in prayer, especially during these bleak economic conditions. Despite these conditions we know that God will provide a way. I love the area and people in Biao and have a special place in my heart for the children.

When we return in March I will post pictures of the farm and area where we will start our mission work.

MISSION TRIP UPDATE

I wanted to share another update on our mission trip to Biao, Philippines. Gordon, Cherry and Maria will make an investigative trip in March 2009 to identify and document transportation, housing, meeting & eating facilities, lodging, and cost prior to our official missions trip in 2010. As you are all aware the economic conditions here in the states is less than favorable. We would ask that you pray for a safe trip and that God will provide the finances to make this trip a success.