Pastor John and Gordon visit Bishop Soriano in Nashville, TN

On Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Bishop Soriano was in Nashville, TN on business and Gordon and Pastor John drove down to discuss the 2010 Mission trip to Biao in more details. This was a great opportunity to share ideas with the Bishop and we both felt it was a worth while trip. The Bishop will visit Biao in June to meet the High School Principal where we will hold our mission event. This will afford him the opportunity to meet the people and set the stage for our trip. He has agreed to accompany our mission team along with two of the District Superintendents and other Pastors from the Philippines. He will ensure we have interrupters and will assist with musical arrangements. Unfortunately Cherry could not attend since Maria is still in school. We had brochures printed which Pastor John presented to the Bishop. The brochure had a picture of the Bishop, staff and Cherry during a meeting early this year while Cherry was in the Philippines. The Bishop was very impressed and excited about our mission plans. I had one of the hotel employees take some pictures and I tried to take some as well. Yes, without Cherry's assistance it was messed up and ended up being video instead of pictures. My best attempt to convert them into pictures are below.

The Family Farm

I did have the opportunity to visit the family farm in Nasanagan, which Cherry owns in the mountains. I was introduced to a new definition of remote. We traveled over 5 miles on a dirt and rocky road to reach the farm. It is hot and an experience that I will never forget. It was an opportunity to really see the beauty that our Lord has created. Here is a few pictures of the farm.

2010 Mission Plan

Cherry and I meet with the Bishop in the Philippines and he is encouraged to see our interest. Aside from spreading the Word of Christ there is a great need for a Medical Mission. One of our objectives is to help the High School children with basic school supplies and backpacks. There is a need for rain gear since children walk such long distances during the rainy season. The 2010 trip will be costly as transportation is limited and costly to hire someone trustworthy. We will have to transport the majority of the food and is necessary to bring ample supply of clean drinking water. We are trusting that the Lord has his hand in our mission and will ensure the funds will become available.

This is a brief overview of our trip. I had to return to work the day after we returned and I am way behind in everything. We will be more than happy to provide additional information at a later date. We do ask that you remember us in your prayers as will continue to finalize our plans for 2010.

Community Center

Here is a picture of the Community Center in Biao. You will find people gathered here selling fruit, vegetables and fish every Sunday.