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.

The Official Website of The Republic Of The Philippines

The Official Website of The Republic Of The Philippines will provide detailed information on about any topic you would like to know about, including up-to-date news.

CIA World Fact Book

You can find detailed information about the Philippines by visiting the CIA World Fact Book.

Visitng the Philippines

Before visiting Philippines, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.) Take a few moments to visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) site for additional information

SEPTEMBER 2008

On August 6th, 2009 we attended our Mission Committee meeting and it was determined to place our mission trip to the Philippines on hold. However, Cherry, Maria, Pastor John and myself are still planning on visiting the Philippines in March of 2009. The purpose of this trip is fact finding and hopefully meeting the Bishop to firm up future plans. This will be Maria's first visit to meet relatives.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17TH, 2008 UPDATE

We continue to work on plans to plant a United Methodist presence in Biao, Philippines during our March 5th - 23rd, 2009 visit. Our team is planning on teaching Vacation Bible School (VBS) to the children for 7 consecutive days and to hold evangelistic crusades 7 consecutive evenings. The theme for the VBS and crusades will be a celebration of God find the lost. The structure for VBS will center around lessons about Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost, The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Lost Boy.

We will tour the area including a trip to the beach. The cost, which includes everything except our passport, immunizations, and personal spending money is $2350. I will provide an update when I know when the deposit for the flight reservations is due. The balance will probably be due sometime in January 2009.

Fort Branch Methodist Church

The March 2009 mission trip to Biao, Philippines will be coordinated through the Fort Branch First United Methodist Church, which is part of the Vincennes District. I have provided a link to the church site for your review. If you feel God has touched your heart and would like to help with this mission trip financially or by participating, you may contact the Church directly or respond back to this blog site.

This will be the first mission trip to the Philippines under the direction of our Pastor, John Windell. My wife, Cherry Rogers will be the tour guide and translator. Cherry grew up in Biao and has a burning desire to establish a Christian presence in her home village. We are looking forward to sponsoring a two week vocational bible school in Biao as a first step.

Mission Goal

After long time of praying and preparation, we have set our first mission trip to Biao, Philippines. We will be setting up a two week vocational bible school in March of 2009. This is to establish a presence in the area and later develop a church base to aid the residence and local community. It has been through the guidance of our Methodist Church pastor and many prayers that this opportunity has become a reality. This is our first attempt to set up a blog for our mission. We trust that God has a hand in the development of this blog and will provide the financial resources to support our trip.