Today, I visited Bernadette who is now staying with friends who are ministering to abused women in Metro Manila. She just woke up from napping and was drowsy. She was glad to see me, and we sat and talked for a while. She was also glad to receive her card and gift from Leah, and misses us greatly.
She has improved somewhat from the last time we saw her.
According to Red, one of the staff persons caring for her, the neurologist's diagnosis is partial seizures.
He recommends an EEG and a MRI done. An EEG costs 2500 ($55) and a MRI costs 12000 ($260). We realize that we need to get quality care for her, treating physiologic symptoms and also realizing what is spiritual and needs healing.
We are planning on taking her to a deliverance ministry in the next week or so. A lot of healing still needs to be done for Bernadette as she strives to change for the better.
Please keep praying for healing, deliverance, and growth for her.
She has improved somewhat from the last time we saw her.
According to Red, one of the staff persons caring for her, the neurologist's diagnosis is partial seizures.
He recommends an EEG and a MRI done. An EEG costs 2500 ($55) and a MRI costs 12000 ($260). We realize that we need to get quality care for her, treating physiologic symptoms and also realizing what is spiritual and needs healing.
We are planning on taking her to a deliverance ministry in the next week or so. A lot of healing still needs to be done for Bernadette as she strives to change for the better.
Please keep praying for healing, deliverance, and growth for her.
Today I also met with Carmela, a young and vibrant Filipina Christian girl whom Christian friends back in the US are helping to finish her college studies here in Metro Manila. She just finished Bible School and is now very excited to reach out to her classmates in College as a Computer Engineering student. I brought her a gift from her supporters who have been faithful in their relationship with her since they met her three years ago. We need more of this kind of personal support for home grown missionaries.
We believe in supporting our local Christian workers, like Filipino couple, Ray and May Torda, who are living in the urban poor community and handling a feeding program for malnourished children. They are also leading weekly Bible studies for the mothers of the children. May Torda is now in college finishing a degree in Social Development. She is presently in need of financial help for her to buy books.
The fourth of July is Filipino-American Friendship Day in the Philippines. This day is special for us because our marriage and our baby Julia represent both the American and Philippine cultures and traditions.
A year ago today I was watching the Independence Day fireworks in State College with Leah and her family... I am specifically remembering my mother-in-law Julie. I have now returned to the Philippines more blessed by the life of Julie. Julie is God's Living Grace Ministries number one prayer warrior and supporter. She is a big part of our ministry and always will be.
As Christians, our faith gives us joyful assurance that Julie is “transformed”, “promoted” and “transplanted” into the company of Jesus and the angels in heaven. Friends and family continue to celebrate her life from whom many came to have a deeper relationship with God. The people she continues to influence in their walks with Jesus also continually inspire and encourage us in our own walk with God.
In church today, as I worshipped with Brothers and Sisters in Christ, God reminded me of how He continues to use Julie's life to bring me to where I am today. She bore and now continues to nurture Leah, the love of my life, into the beautifully stunning woman and passionate Jesus-follower she is.
“Oh, Francis!”, I hear Julie exclaim when I get too silent for her . Then she'd go on to say something that would make me laugh or smile.. she always got me to start talking. Her berry cobblers, fruit pies and chocolate cakes made many of my days in Pennsylvania. She makes sure I have whipped cream on my dessert... I really can't miss a meal at Julie's because hospitality, kindness and love for her friends and even for strangers who visit their home continues in the lives of her husband, children and grandchildren. Our lives continue to change for the best because of Julie. We love you, Julie. And we thank you, Jesus, for continuing to bless us through Julie's life.