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.

A Mission with a Plan

The Philippines is composed of 7,108 islands of which over 700 are inhabited. The total land area is 300,000 kilometers, with 73 provinces and has a population of around 82 million people.

The county has a mixed agricultural and industrial economy. There is serious economic difficulties which have worsened un the combined impact of the oil crisis, decline of export income, widespread corruption in the Administration, social and political unrest because of the Communist and Muslim terroristic activities and a series of natural disasters. Loss of international confidence in the country's future since 1983 has resulted in hardship and rising unemployment. The inflation rate is 80% and is suffering from widespread poverty.

We firmly believe this Country is a mission field that is ready for harvest. There is a great hunger for God in this country as never seen before. We ask for your continued prayers and support as we continue to plan for our mission trip.