Monday, September 17, 2012

Changing of the Guards!

(FROM JOSHUA AND ANNE'S SEPTEMBER PRAYER-LETTER PAGE 1)


As I write this newsletter, exactly eight years after me and my friend started Youth Mobilization (YM), I am no longer the team leader of YM.  In a simple but memorable ceremony last September 12, held at the International Teams Philippines (ITP) office, I formally turned over the team to new leadership.

With regards to my new role, it will be decided by the end of  September, so I can't make full announcements until the first week of October.

So officially, Mackie now heads YM, while John heads Tender and Tender has become a new team directly under ITP and separate from YM.  Me and Anne chose to remain with YM as a support to Mackie and we are still IT missionaries. Although the two are now different and separate teams, we have agreed to stay as one team in spirit as we promise to work together, as if nothing has changed.

It wasn’t an easy decision for me since YM was my “baby” but I have learned to obey the Lord no matter how difficult His command is.  It is a process I started to pray for and struggle with for the last two years.  Finally, me and Anne agreed that this is the time we have been waiting for.  The two new leaders are ready and the two teams can now stand on their own even without me as their team leader.

As to my new role, continue to pray for God’s will and direction.  As soon as everything is confirmed we will certainly let everyone now.  The only thing clear for us is that God is leading us to pursue and expand what God has called us to do and that is to come alongside and empower leaders so that they can be effective in their ministry to the poor, the hopeless and the helpless.  We covet and appreciate all your prayers and support.

NEWS BITS


Towards the end of May, our summer vacation, our family, together with 20 others went to Roxas and Iloilo (Visayan Region - an hour by plane from Manila) to minister and help a couple churches through medical mission, hygiene clinic and personal evangelism.  Josiah and another missionary are seen here helping with the dental service.


The Golden Hands Sewing Ministry is growing.  Since  Anne started it last July, 8 mothers have already involved.  Aside from getting extra income, the mothers also have started a small group ministry.  They use their time together not just to sew but also to share God’s Word and encourage one another.


To continue YM’s legacy of equipping youth leaders, Anne and Mackie, the new YM Team Leader, gather 15 youth leaders from different churches for an overnight summit.  They used this opportunity last September 14 & 15 to teach Leader Mundial’s ABC of Leadership and to launch YM’s newest project, the online mentoring of Youth Leaders.


The Leader Mundial Manila Summit will kick-off our last quarter activities.  We are expecting 35 leaders to attend this 4-day summit from October 17-20.  This year’s venue is the Rizal Re-Creation Center in Laguna (about a two-hour drive from Manila) and the theme is, “Renewing One’s Passion in Serving the Lord.”