Following are our FB posts as the conference was being held.
Session one is completed. We are teaching on Dating Guidelines and it is going well. The students are engaging us in converstaion and interacting alot. It has been fun but it would be so much better if the connection was strong. So if you are reading this at 10:30 p.m. please storm the gates of heaven for a bit. There is a huge voice delay which is very distracting on both ends. Thanks so much.
12:30 a.m.....we have finished up our morning teachings. Thank you for praying. the skype connection improved greatly after we asked for prayer. We spent the last session talking about abstaining from sexual immorality and making a committment to stay pure from this point on until marriage. We asked them if they were willing to make a committment to God and they started standing up before we even asked them to do so. Praise God for His amazing grace to touch their lives. We will start teaching again at 1;30 a.m. Thank you all for your prayers for us in this venture. It has been so much fun and God is using this in their lives.
During the break Pastor Paul shared with us a testimony of how our marriage seminar was used in the lives of the 8 Mountain pastors who attended. They are praying that God will send us in person to minister on marriage to these churches. It is such a humbling thing to hear such things and we can only say Praise God because it is He who works in us and through us. We can take no credit. His love for these people is amazing. Thank you Father.
3:15 a.m. Just finished the final teaching session, the topic was Peer pressure principals. The internet is giving Rannie fits and their computer is not picking up the signal very well today. The problem was intensified after lunch so it is suspicous to them. The last time this happened someone had dug up the cable lines on the street to steal the copper .. But God is still meeting with us and the youth. Our final session is a Q and A time then off to bed. Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Did I say we are too old for this? LOL we have major stay lag this time.
4:30 a.m. We have spent the last hour answering questions for the youth and listening to their testimonies of how the teachings have impacted them. Oh my we are so amazed at God and His love for them. One of the youth recapped each teaching for us and how it impacted her. Most loved the Choices message because it helped them learn to make wise decisions and also Dating guidelines. And the funniest testimonies were the ones where the kids said they learned that kissing was not appropriate for them until marriage, since it could lead to intercourse since it will light a fire in them and so they are going to tell their boyfriends and girlfriends that they cannot kiss anymore. I bet we will have quite a few young men and women upset with us tomorrow. LOL.. All in all it has been a good fruitful 2 days. Thank you for all your prayers for us and for these youth. God is faithful. Pastor Rannie is going to send us pictures from the Conference which we will post as soon as they arrive. Please continue to pray for our Brothers and Sisters in this area of the world.
Much Love,
PW and Sherry
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Philippine Youth Bible Conference Day 1
Following is our FB post as the conference was being held.
10:30 p.m. We just finished our first session, a teaching on Choices. It is a powerful message and the teens usually are impacted by it. The kids were taking notes and seemed to be really listening.
10.40 p.m. PW is Currently teaching on The war against us. Our goal is to help these kids realize that Satan is out to destroy them by lying, stealing and killing them. But that they have power over the enemy and do not have to live as his victims. They are to be alert and fight the good fight.
Well it is 1:30 a.m. we have 2 1/2 hours left of the conference. Did I say we were tired? Yup. Of course the fact that we got up at 6:30 this morning and have not had a rest all day might be part of the problem. :>))))) Or maybe we are too old to stay up past our bed time. :>)))))) They of course are wide awake since they are 12 hours ahead of us and are 16-22 yrs of age.
The last session went well. PW is going to finish up that teaching and then teach on 3 primary relationships that we all have and then we finish up the day with a 45 min. question and answer time. Those of you in Europe, will you pray for us over the next few hours please? God bless you all.
We made it.. PTL..It is now 4 a.m. The teaching went great and we had a good hour of questions and answers which is always fun. I will post pictures on our blog as soon as Rannie sends them to us. Good night all.
10:30 p.m. We just finished our first session, a teaching on Choices. It is a powerful message and the teens usually are impacted by it. The kids were taking notes and seemed to be really listening.
10.40 p.m. PW is Currently teaching on The war against us. Our goal is to help these kids realize that Satan is out to destroy them by lying, stealing and killing them. But that they have power over the enemy and do not have to live as his victims. They are to be alert and fight the good fight.
Well it is 1:30 a.m. we have 2 1/2 hours left of the conference. Did I say we were tired? Yup. Of course the fact that we got up at 6:30 this morning and have not had a rest all day might be part of the problem. :>))))) Or maybe we are too old to stay up past our bed time. :>)))))) They of course are wide awake since they are 12 hours ahead of us and are 16-22 yrs of age.
The last session went well. PW is going to finish up that teaching and then teach on 3 primary relationships that we all have and then we finish up the day with a 45 min. question and answer time. Those of you in Europe, will you pray for us over the next few hours please? God bless you all.
We made it.. PTL..It is now 4 a.m. The teaching went great and we had a good hour of questions and answers which is always fun. I will post pictures on our blog as soon as Rannie sends them to us. Good night all.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Beautiful Buildings, Beautiful People - Riga and Jelgava Latvia 2013
Beautiful architecture in Riga
Picturesque streets in Riga
Our class of students ages 19-25 Baltic School of Ministry
Jelgava Latvia
Wayne and our translator - Klaus
Ladies who cooked daily for students
Natasha the school secretary
Taking the test
PW participating in animated chapel service
Sherry and Lana
Remnants of church destroyed during WW 2 - dates from 1300's
With Marou, dean of students from Argentina
Beautiful little churches
Onion tops
A lovely museum
At the Palace in Jelgava - it was built for Catherine the Greats Lover
Friday, May 3, 2013
Day five - bittersweet good byes
Today dawned with blue skies, birds singing and the sun shining brightly. The temperature actually has risen to around 65. It is lovely for sure. The Latvians are out and about enjoying the arrival of Spring.
We just finished our final sessions at the school. We had so much fun today with the students. As we told you last night, the plan today was to do role plays with them to see if they could put into practice the things we taught them. I (Sherry) made up three role plays to do. Each one of course was covering a different issue of life so they could get some variety. We wanted to make it applicable to their lives since most will only be advice givers not counselors in the sense of having clients. Anyway, I acted the parts out dramatically and then as a group they asked the questions to gather information and also then gave advice and homework to the "person". We laughed so hard through most of it that tears were running down our faces because they were so concerned they would not do it correctly and they were correcting each other when they thought a bad question or advice given was not right. I would coach them periodically to help them see deeper into the issues. I was so proud of them. They really had learned the lessons this week. As I commended them they sat straighter and got huge smiles on their faces. Then they wanted to know if we could do more role plays the next session because it had helped them so much. So we did 2 more in the next session.
We also had assigned them a written paper last night which would count for 20% of their grade so we spent time going over their answers.
PW spoke in chapel today and talked about love one another and forgive one another. It was excellent and the students were really attentive. After chapel one young man wanted time to talk with PW so that he could work through a problem with someone.
The last session was the test. And then the goodbyes. The students presented us with a gift and then gathered around us to pray for us and our ministry. Many thanked us for the teachings and said it was very useful. One girl said she would never forget the lessons she learned.
After lunch which was blinshki's, Mauro, the dean of the school and a precious godly young man, took us to Jelgava to site see. He took us to see a Castle that Catherine the Great had built for one of her lovers and then we walked around.
In spite of being sick it has been a wonderful memorable week for us. It is always hard to say good bye to those we spend time with. We leave tomorrow at 2:25 for home. Please pray for our safety and for connections to be made and that we can sleep on the plane.
Thank you once again for holding us up in prayer this past week. We have felt the difference and are so appreciative. We will post the pictures from home on Monday so be sure to check back to see our class and this lovely country.
Much love,
PW and Sherry
We just finished our final sessions at the school. We had so much fun today with the students. As we told you last night, the plan today was to do role plays with them to see if they could put into practice the things we taught them. I (Sherry) made up three role plays to do. Each one of course was covering a different issue of life so they could get some variety. We wanted to make it applicable to their lives since most will only be advice givers not counselors in the sense of having clients. Anyway, I acted the parts out dramatically and then as a group they asked the questions to gather information and also then gave advice and homework to the "person". We laughed so hard through most of it that tears were running down our faces because they were so concerned they would not do it correctly and they were correcting each other when they thought a bad question or advice given was not right. I would coach them periodically to help them see deeper into the issues. I was so proud of them. They really had learned the lessons this week. As I commended them they sat straighter and got huge smiles on their faces. Then they wanted to know if we could do more role plays the next session because it had helped them so much. So we did 2 more in the next session.
We also had assigned them a written paper last night which would count for 20% of their grade so we spent time going over their answers.
PW spoke in chapel today and talked about love one another and forgive one another. It was excellent and the students were really attentive. After chapel one young man wanted time to talk with PW so that he could work through a problem with someone.
The last session was the test. And then the goodbyes. The students presented us with a gift and then gathered around us to pray for us and our ministry. Many thanked us for the teachings and said it was very useful. One girl said she would never forget the lessons she learned.
After lunch which was blinshki's, Mauro, the dean of the school and a precious godly young man, took us to Jelgava to site see. He took us to see a Castle that Catherine the Great had built for one of her lovers and then we walked around.
In spite of being sick it has been a wonderful memorable week for us. It is always hard to say good bye to those we spend time with. We leave tomorrow at 2:25 for home. Please pray for our safety and for connections to be made and that we can sleep on the plane.
Thank you once again for holding us up in prayer this past week. We have felt the difference and are so appreciative. We will post the pictures from home on Monday so be sure to check back to see our class and this lovely country.
Much love,
PW and Sherry
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Day four
Today was lovely. The sun was shining all day and the temperature rose to about 62. Spring has finally sprung in Latvia. It is amazing how much the sunshine affects the classroom as well.
We worked on the practical application lessons today. Most of the students will never be "professional" counselors, but they can learn to apply the principles we have taught them as they give advice to their friends. So we began that process of application. Tomorrow we will actually give them a role play so they can practice the lessons. Can't wait :>))) I (Sherry) am going to be the "friend, counselee" so I will try to make it fun. Overall they seemed happy and attentive.
They only have 4 wks of classes left and their minds are tired and full of knowledge from all they have learned this year. Please pray for them today that they would be able to absorb the rest of the courses of study and that they would leave the year of study changed not just having more knowledge but having been equipped to walk out their faith. Pray for us as we finish up that we will continue to be anointed so it will bear much fruit in their lives.
PW and I are finally feeling human again.. I guess that is good since we leave for home on Saturday afternoon. Looking forward to being back and with our church family on Sunday.
I will try to post pictures tomorrow afternoon of the week. We did not tak too many since we were sick, but you will at least get to see our students.
Much love,
PW and Sherry
We worked on the practical application lessons today. Most of the students will never be "professional" counselors, but they can learn to apply the principles we have taught them as they give advice to their friends. So we began that process of application. Tomorrow we will actually give them a role play so they can practice the lessons. Can't wait :>))) I (Sherry) am going to be the "friend, counselee" so I will try to make it fun. Overall they seemed happy and attentive.
They only have 4 wks of classes left and their minds are tired and full of knowledge from all they have learned this year. Please pray for them today that they would be able to absorb the rest of the courses of study and that they would leave the year of study changed not just having more knowledge but having been equipped to walk out their faith. Pray for us as we finish up that we will continue to be anointed so it will bear much fruit in their lives.
PW and I are finally feeling human again.. I guess that is good since we leave for home on Saturday afternoon. Looking forward to being back and with our church family on Sunday.
I will try to post pictures tomorrow afternoon of the week. We did not tak too many since we were sick, but you will at least get to see our students.
Much love,
PW and Sherry
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Day three
Wow what a difference prayers of the saints make. Thanks to your prayers PW and I woke up feeling healthy and pain free for the first time this week. Praise God.
Classes today were so much fun. In the morning session PW had a "lively" discussion with the students concerning the fallacy of our need for "self esteem" and also about the fact that no one is born with a good heart. The students have been taught in the worlds ideas while in high school so this was embedded in their thinking. PW then took them to the word of God and spent 5 hours teaching on issues of the heart and how God shows us that our hearts are always active and responding. We stressed the importance of getting to the heart issues if we want to truly help people. The days teaching ended with a session on Giving hope for lasting change. The students seemed engaged and enlightened by the end of the day.
Sherry was privileged to give the chapel devotion today and challenged the students by asking them if they were fans of Jesus or followers of Jesus.
All in all it was a good day with much interaction with the students. We are so honored to be able to spend time teaching here at the Baltic School of ministry.
The sun shone all day today and temperature rose to a lovely 60. After classes today we took a long walk and enjoyed the neighborhood in which our hotel is located.
Please pray that the next two days will be fruitful beyond our expectations.
Blessings and Much Love,
PW and Sherry
Classes today were so much fun. In the morning session PW had a "lively" discussion with the students concerning the fallacy of our need for "self esteem" and also about the fact that no one is born with a good heart. The students have been taught in the worlds ideas while in high school so this was embedded in their thinking. PW then took them to the word of God and spent 5 hours teaching on issues of the heart and how God shows us that our hearts are always active and responding. We stressed the importance of getting to the heart issues if we want to truly help people. The days teaching ended with a session on Giving hope for lasting change. The students seemed engaged and enlightened by the end of the day.
Sherry was privileged to give the chapel devotion today and challenged the students by asking them if they were fans of Jesus or followers of Jesus.
All in all it was a good day with much interaction with the students. We are so honored to be able to spend time teaching here at the Baltic School of ministry.
The sun shone all day today and temperature rose to a lovely 60. After classes today we took a long walk and enjoyed the neighborhood in which our hotel is located.
Please pray that the next two days will be fruitful beyond our expectations.
Blessings and Much Love,
PW and Sherry
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Day two
Praise God once again for giving us strength to do what He has called us to do. We are still not totally healed, but we are in process. He has assured us in prayer that He will continue to grace us with what we need to do the job assigned to us.
The teaching today went really well. PW did most of the teaching today since it was doctrinal foundation. The students were quite attentive and asked really good questions which showed they were listening. There is one particular student who is really connecting and during breaks comes up to talk one on one about things that he is struggling with. Hopefully as the week continues more will do the same.
We had an opportunity to lay down to rest for 2 hours between sessions while a local Pastor came in to teach the students. It is amazing what a difference that makes. After school today we went back to the hotel and then walked to dinner and back again. We are going to try to stay up until 10 so we can sleep through the night. Last night was not a good one since we had gone to bed at 8:30 and woke up on and off all night. Oyeeeeeeeeeeeeeee traveling is not fun at all. Nothing like home and your own bed.
Ok here are the prayer requests for tomorrow:
1. That PW's back would be totally pain free so he can think.
2. That the students hearts would be touched in a special way.
3. That our family would be protected. Adrian and Jens van broke today and it is going to be expensive to fix. Pray for wisdom, provision and peace as they deal with this new challenge.
Sorry this is so factual, but we know you understand. Hopefully tomorrow our zip will be back.
Much love,
Pw and Sherry
The teaching today went really well. PW did most of the teaching today since it was doctrinal foundation. The students were quite attentive and asked really good questions which showed they were listening. There is one particular student who is really connecting and during breaks comes up to talk one on one about things that he is struggling with. Hopefully as the week continues more will do the same.
We had an opportunity to lay down to rest for 2 hours between sessions while a local Pastor came in to teach the students. It is amazing what a difference that makes. After school today we went back to the hotel and then walked to dinner and back again. We are going to try to stay up until 10 so we can sleep through the night. Last night was not a good one since we had gone to bed at 8:30 and woke up on and off all night. Oyeeeeeeeeeeeeeee traveling is not fun at all. Nothing like home and your own bed.
Ok here are the prayer requests for tomorrow:
1. That PW's back would be totally pain free so he can think.
2. That the students hearts would be touched in a special way.
3. That our family would be protected. Adrian and Jens van broke today and it is going to be expensive to fix. Pray for wisdom, provision and peace as they deal with this new challenge.
Sorry this is so factual, but we know you understand. Hopefully tomorrow our zip will be back.
Much love,
Pw and Sherry
Monday, April 29, 2013
Day One
We are excited about this group of students. There are 22 of them and they are very engaging. While PW taught they were taking notes and looking up and intently listening. Answered questions readily and seemed generally responsive. Please pray for each one that this week they will not just gather information but will truly have heart changes.
We ate dinner at the school with the students. Soup is always a great way to end a day if you ask me. And since I was still not feeling 100 % it tasted great. We came back to our room and were in bed by 8:30. Between PW's back being out of place and me fighting the flu, we were tired.
Today is going to be a long one. We are being picked up at 7:50 and will teach all day with only a few breaks until 5. Yesterday we covered the introduction to Biblical counseling and today we will start digging into the teachings. Thanks to our friend Joe Propri who wrote this excellent life changing course.
Prayer for today;
1. PW's back continues to go into muscle spasms which make it hard to think or stand or sit or lie down..:>)) so healing would be nice.
2. The students to have open hearts.
3. For us to have some personal connections with students
Much love,
PW and Sherry
We ate dinner at the school with the students. Soup is always a great way to end a day if you ask me. And since I was still not feeling 100 % it tasted great. We came back to our room and were in bed by 8:30. Between PW's back being out of place and me fighting the flu, we were tired.
Today is going to be a long one. We are being picked up at 7:50 and will teach all day with only a few breaks until 5. Yesterday we covered the introduction to Biblical counseling and today we will start digging into the teachings. Thanks to our friend Joe Propri who wrote this excellent life changing course.
Prayer for today;
1. PW's back continues to go into muscle spasms which make it hard to think or stand or sit or lie down..:>)) so healing would be nice.
2. The students to have open hearts.
3. For us to have some personal connections with students
Much love,
PW and Sherry
Going with the Flow
I had intended to post on Saturday but came down with a flu bug which has totally wiped me out. Warfare
PW's back has gone out and he is in terrible pain, which hinders his thinking. Warfare Arrived at the school on Sunday and started to settle in the apt. provided and found out the water line broke so there was no water. Warfare Thankfully there was a lovely hotel 10 minutes away with a vacancy so we have relocated for the week. But we have learned over the years to go with the flow on the mission field. In the end the Lord always comes through in marvelous ways to manifest Himself in spite of our circumstances.
As I spent time in the word this morning, the Lord directed me to 2 Cor. 4: 16-18. Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing in us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Praise His name.
We win because of Him and what He has done on the cross.
It is such a comfort to know that the church is in good hands. We heard that Pastor Bill preached an excellent sermon yesterday. You can access it from our blog as well as the church website.
So we ask that you pray for us
1 To have energy and be healed
2 To speak and teach with authority and anointing and energy.
3. For the students hearts to be challenged this week and changed.
Much love,
PW and Sherry
PW's back has gone out and he is in terrible pain, which hinders his thinking. Warfare Arrived at the school on Sunday and started to settle in the apt. provided and found out the water line broke so there was no water. Warfare Thankfully there was a lovely hotel 10 minutes away with a vacancy so we have relocated for the week. But we have learned over the years to go with the flow on the mission field. In the end the Lord always comes through in marvelous ways to manifest Himself in spite of our circumstances.
As I spent time in the word this morning, the Lord directed me to 2 Cor. 4: 16-18. Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing in us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Praise His name.
We win because of Him and what He has done on the cross.
It is such a comfort to know that the church is in good hands. We heard that Pastor Bill preached an excellent sermon yesterday. You can access it from our blog as well as the church website.
So we ask that you pray for us
1 To have energy and be healed
2 To speak and teach with authority and anointing and energy.
3. For the students hearts to be challenged this week and changed.
Much love,
PW and Sherry
Saturday, April 27, 2013
WE have arrived safely
We arrived safely in Riga however it was an hour later than we had planned due to airport issues in Frankfurt. Our flights were wonderful and we had good seats and our luggage arrived with us.
Since our reason for coming 3 days early was to rest up and overcome our jet lag before we begin teaching on Monday, the Lord has graciously sent rain and lots of it. The rain alone has taken care of our desire to go out and sight see instead of rest. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you.. :>))) We hope to take a walk later though and enjoy this beautiful city. If we take pictures I will be sure to post them.
Thank you for your prayers for us. My computer is acting up so I would appreciate prayers that it does not die on me before I get home.
Much Love,
PW and Sherry
Since our reason for coming 3 days early was to rest up and overcome our jet lag before we begin teaching on Monday, the Lord has graciously sent rain and lots of it. The rain alone has taken care of our desire to go out and sight see instead of rest. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you.. :>))) We hope to take a walk later though and enjoy this beautiful city. If we take pictures I will be sure to post them.
Thank you for your prayers for us. My computer is acting up so I would appreciate prayers that it does not die on me before I get home.
Much Love,
PW and Sherry
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Departure
Well the day has finally arrived. We are settled in our hearts that God is sending us and has given us a message for these young people at the Bible School. To say we are excited is an understatement. These trips are so much fun and such a blessing.
Please lift up the following prayer concerns today as you think of us.
1. That there will be no delays due to the air traffic controllers layoffs.
2. That the planes we travel on will be safe.
3. That our moms will stay in good health .
4. That nothing will break at home so that the moms do not have to deal with it.
5. That our Son in law, Daughter and 5 grandchildren will be safe and healthy.
6. That our congregation is without incident, ya know like major tragedies etc.
7 We have one brother who is having major surgery on the 30th. And several who are hurting due to family issues. Please pray that God protects, heals and comforts. It is always hard to leave in these circumstances.
8. For Pastor Bill and Edie as they watch over the church while we are gone.
9. That PW has no health emergencies and that he has energy and good health. ie: no more strokes to scare me to death.. :>)))
10. That the Lord will be glorified and represented properly through us.
Thank you so much for standing with us. We so appreciate the support we feel when we travel like this. It is an honor and privilege for us that we do not take lightly. We will try to update daily while we are gone.
Much love,
PW and Sherry
Please lift up the following prayer concerns today as you think of us.
1. That there will be no delays due to the air traffic controllers layoffs.
2. That the planes we travel on will be safe.
3. That our moms will stay in good health .
4. That nothing will break at home so that the moms do not have to deal with it.
5. That our Son in law, Daughter and 5 grandchildren will be safe and healthy.
6. That our congregation is without incident, ya know like major tragedies etc.
7 We have one brother who is having major surgery on the 30th. And several who are hurting due to family issues. Please pray that God protects, heals and comforts. It is always hard to leave in these circumstances.
8. For Pastor Bill and Edie as they watch over the church while we are gone.
9. That PW has no health emergencies and that he has energy and good health. ie: no more strokes to scare me to death.. :>)))
10. That the Lord will be glorified and represented properly through us.
Thank you so much for standing with us. We so appreciate the support we feel when we travel like this. It is an honor and privilege for us that we do not take lightly. We will try to update daily while we are gone.
Much love,
PW and Sherry
Sunday, April 14, 2013
11 Days and Counting
I cannot believe we leave in 11 days. Where does the time go? We will need your prayers as we prepare the next week. We have a full schedule of our regular ministry things plus our prep. Add to that our home maintenance and our Mothers and we are going to need tons of prayer. If you think of it please just lift us up to God daily and ask Him to give us strength and to order our steps.
Our mission to Latvia will be to teach at a one year bible school for young adults, on the topic of Biblical Counseling. This will be a relatively short trip so please pray specifically that Pw has no jet lag so he can teach without feeling tired. We will arrive three days before the school starts so he can rest up and hopefully be ready to teach on Monday. We also would like prayer that we will have lots of interaction with the students after classes and be able to minister to them one on one. So many are trying to discern what the Lord has for them in the their future so this time is important to them. Last year we had quite a few divine appointments. Also, please pray for our translators. It is important for us to be able to have good relations with them so we can flow together. Ask God to anoint them and us so the material is imparted accurately with out confusion.
It has been such a privilege to go and minister overseas. We love working with young people and are always surprised that God has given us favor with them.
On the home front, PW has been teaching a series on the one anothers at our church. The past two weeks he has been teaching on Forgiveness. If you would like to listen to these sermons you can access them through our website by pushing the button on the right of the screen.
We praise God for what he has been doing in us these past few months. It has been hard but productive.
We will start posting daily once we get in Latvia so you can pray current for us.
Much Love,
PW and Sherry
Our mission to Latvia will be to teach at a one year bible school for young adults, on the topic of Biblical Counseling. This will be a relatively short trip so please pray specifically that Pw has no jet lag so he can teach without feeling tired. We will arrive three days before the school starts so he can rest up and hopefully be ready to teach on Monday. We also would like prayer that we will have lots of interaction with the students after classes and be able to minister to them one on one. So many are trying to discern what the Lord has for them in the their future so this time is important to them. Last year we had quite a few divine appointments. Also, please pray for our translators. It is important for us to be able to have good relations with them so we can flow together. Ask God to anoint them and us so the material is imparted accurately with out confusion.
It has been such a privilege to go and minister overseas. We love working with young people and are always surprised that God has given us favor with them.
On the home front, PW has been teaching a series on the one anothers at our church. The past two weeks he has been teaching on Forgiveness. If you would like to listen to these sermons you can access them through our website by pushing the button on the right of the screen.
We praise God for what he has been doing in us these past few months. It has been hard but productive.
We will start posting daily once we get in Latvia so you can pray current for us.
Much Love,
PW and Sherry
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
Truth
As we ponder the state of our nation we are amazed at the lack of integrity and truth telling by those who lead us no matter what their political party. So often partial truths are told, or details left out that if known would paint a different picture. Who can we trust? Thank God , He can be trusted. The word says He cannot lie. And the good news is that He lives in us who have surrendered our lives to Christ. As believers in Jesus it is vital that we deal in truth in all things. Ephesians 4:24 - 25 says and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside Falsehood, speak TRUTH each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. As the days get darker and the return of the Lord gets closer, deception is going to be the norm in our society. Lets be sure that is not the case in the body of Christ. Brothers and Sisters, be truth tellers. Speak the truth in love. Be open and transparent. We are to be different than the world. Remember we represent God and will have to give an account for our words whether they are true or false. Lets bear good fruit and be sure that we are not participating in the unfruitful deeds of darkness.
Have you been truthful in your dealings with others? If not, go to them, humble yourself and ask forgiveness and if they are truly believers in Jesus, they will forgive you. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
And that is the TRUTH.
Much Love,
Sherry
Have you been truthful in your dealings with others? If not, go to them, humble yourself and ask forgiveness and if they are truly believers in Jesus, they will forgive you. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
And that is the TRUTH.
Much Love,
Sherry
Monday, February 4, 2013
Just like God
The Lord continues to amaze us at His provision. We recently started putting our churchs sermons online and so we sent the link to Pastor Rannie Lamento in the Philippines. He sent us this picture this morning of he and his family listening to the sermon from last Sunday. He said the Lord taught him so much that he is going to play the sermon to his congregation this Wednesday night at their prayer meeting. We are humbled but so excited over what God continues to do with this relationship with these precious brothers. And you all are part of this because of your giving and prayers, we are able to touch the nations with Gods word. Praise be to His holy name.Much love,
PW and Sherry
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Mission Accomplished - Stay lag
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Our mission trip to the Philippines was successful. We were welcomed warmly by all who attended and we will be forever changed. Here are some pictures from our last day of ministry.
Here are two of the pastors who came to the mike to ask questions after our teaching today. The questions were good and thoughtful and based on life situations that came to light as we taught. 
This is a group photo taken with us and part of our class. We are live on skype in this photo.
We had a wonderful time and Rannie said it felt like we were right there on site with them this week.
Rannie, thank you for making us feel so much apart of the ministry in your country. We treasure your friendship and look forward to the day that God will allow us to come in person to meet you and spend time with you.
We are suffering from stay - lag today that is like jet lag but since we never left home we made up this word to describe how we feel. I guess staying up until 4 each day has taken its toll.. :<)))).
Thank you to all of you who prayed and helped in any way with this "trip". Thank you especially to our church family, Chardon Christian Fellowship who has allowed us to take the time off to do this ministry. We love you and appreciate you more than you will ever know.
Much love,
PW and Sherry
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| PW and Sherry team teaching on communication skills needed to resolve conflict |
At the end of the day, Rannie asked if anyone wanted to share a testimony of what the Lord had done in their lives this past week. We were humbled beyond words as many came up to share what teachings God had used in their lives. One Pastors Wife came to testify that she had repented because for the past two years she has had a bitter spirit and had been a bad wife who nagged and criticized her husband. They have reconciled and are talking and now have the tools necessary to resolve the conflicts they have had. God is so faithful. Several of the men shared how they had realized that they had not known how to love their wives before the seminar but now knew how to do this. One young woman who is a newlywed said the teaching on being her husbands helper was life changing and she will now be able to stand along side of him as a real helper in life. We ended this time praying for all of them and then they prayed for us.
This is a group photo taken with us and part of our class. We are live on skype in this photo.
We had a wonderful time and Rannie said it felt like we were right there on site with them this week.
Rannie, thank you for making us feel so much apart of the ministry in your country. We treasure your friendship and look forward to the day that God will allow us to come in person to meet you and spend time with you.
We are suffering from stay - lag today that is like jet lag but since we never left home we made up this word to describe how we feel. I guess staying up until 4 each day has taken its toll.. :<)))).
Thank you to all of you who prayed and helped in any way with this "trip". Thank you especially to our church family, Chardon Christian Fellowship who has allowed us to take the time off to do this ministry. We love you and appreciate you more than you will ever know.
Much love,
PW and Sherry
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Day 2 Philippine Staymission
We have officially ended day 2 of our ministry in the Philippines. We decided to call it a staymission kind of like a staycation since we are doing this from home. The Lord has so graciously met with us and caused the Internet connection to be fairly strong. We do have to have them turn off their video though so that the signal is clearer so we are basically hearing them and looking at a blank computer screen. Very unnerving at first as you can see by the look on Sherry's face, but these brothers and their wives are so interactive with amens and laughs and shouts and comments that it helps greatly. Each one we have spoken to has ministered to us just by their humility and hunger for the truth. Please pray for us tonight as this will be our last day of the seminar. PW will teach on Resolving conflict tonight which is so applicable in any culture. We find that couples fight the same all over the world and usually about the same types of issues just in a different context. So prayer will be most appreciated. Below are some pictures for you to enjoy.
When we think of the lives that will be touched as these Pastors now teach their churches about Gods plan for marriage we are humbled beyond words. To God be the glory.
Much Love,
PW and Sherry
We have officially ended day 2 of our ministry in the Philippines. We decided to call it a staymission kind of like a staycation since we are doing this from home. The Lord has so graciously met with us and caused the Internet connection to be fairly strong. We do have to have them turn off their video though so that the signal is clearer so we are basically hearing them and looking at a blank computer screen. Very unnerving at first as you can see by the look on Sherry's face, but these brothers and their wives are so interactive with amens and laughs and shouts and comments that it helps greatly. Each one we have spoken to has ministered to us just by their humility and hunger for the truth. Please pray for us tonight as this will be our last day of the seminar. PW will teach on Resolving conflict tonight which is so applicable in any culture. We find that couples fight the same all over the world and usually about the same types of issues just in a different context. So prayer will be most appreciated. Below are some pictures for you to enjoy.
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| Camping Phillipine style |
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| One of the pastors wives |
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| 20 Pastors and Wives are sleeping nightly at the church |
Much Love,
PW and Sherry
Monday, January 28, 2013
Philippine Mission Trip from Chardon 2013
Our unusual trip began Saturday night as we ministered to Pastor Rannie Lamentos' congregation Hingagdanan Christian Fellowship on the island of Mindanao. What an exciting time this as been. We have loved these people from the first time we were contacted by Pastor Rannie. So here are some pictures from their Sunday and our Saturday night.
On Monday morning ( Sunday evening in the states ) we began teaching our Marriage seminar to 70 pastors and their wives. They will in turn teach the truths to their individual churches. We consider it such an honor to speak into their lives. The internet connection was excellent and we pray it will be that way again this evening as we minister. Below are the pictures from that ministry.
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| Our Son in law Adrian doing sound for the service, |
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The youth of their church singing for us. This was a special unexpected treat for us.
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Our youth ministering in song to the Philippine church. Nathan at piano, Andrew, Rosie and Harley in the back row, Mikala, Janna and Leah in the front row. Our daughter Jen, led them and is hidden behind the camera.
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| The Hingagdanan Christian fellowship Church congregation. |
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| Wayne sharing the word |
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| Ninni our interpreter |
On Monday morning ( Sunday evening in the states ) we began teaching our Marriage seminar to 70 pastors and their wives. They will in turn teach the truths to their individual churches. We consider it such an honor to speak into their lives. The internet connection was excellent and we pray it will be that way again this evening as we minister. Below are the pictures from that ministry.
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| Wayne teaching them via skype, the topics were Purpose of Marriage, Role of the Husband as the servant leader and lover of his wife. Good questions followed the teaching. WE laughed alot and they were very interactive with us. We were on skype with them for 6 hours total. |
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| These are some of the pastors and wives. All would not fit in the screen so we will take more pictures tonight. Please continue to pray for us as we do this unique "trip". Much Love, Pw and Sherry |
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