Wick in Week

Good morning! We have been here in Wick, Caithness since last Tuesday and we have enjoyed it so much. This is a place where we can really relax and spend time with Mary's mum & dad. The weather has been truly Filipino and the kids have enjoyed their excursions to the lovely swing parks here with their granny!

It was so good to see David & Wilma again. They had not seen their grandkids for one and a half years and we were so looking forward to catching up with them. The most touching thing happened; as we were just drawing up to the house, they were waiting for us. As David opened the door, wee Josiah shouted, "Hello Granda!" We were amazed. Later we realised that he recognised his granda because he saw him every week on daddy's computer! The power of skype! If you have relatives that live more than an hour away, you need to install "SKYPE" ...it really works and is absolutely free!

Mary's mum is working full time, so we have been making the best of the lovely evenings. Saturday was the Gala day and they really make an effort for the parade at night. Pity my camera has not arrived yet! On Sunday we went to the Salvation Army and it was great to see old friends again. The people here in Wick are so encouraging and have supported us in so many ways. They were so excited about seeing Lydia and Josiah (and us!) and they were amazed at how Josiah had grown.

Little Josiah was in good form during the service. The beautiful thing here is that when Mary comes to Wick, they just include her as if she had never left! She plays in the band and sings with the songsters! Anyway, as the singing group prepared to sing they motioned for Mary to join them. Little Joe wouldn't give up his mummy without a fight. So she ended up singing with him in her arms. During the chorus he jumped out of her arms and was making for the drums! I almost died! He almost knocked over his Granda's coronet and had his foot on the base drum before I grabbed him! What a guy!

We have been keeping in constant contact with Sefton Village. In 2003, Steve & Molly Ritchie covered Sefton for us, so when we came home we could concentrate in our itinerary. But this time it's gonna be more difficult. The two Singapore ladies are doing a great ministry there. I am so proud of them and know that this will be a time where they learn and experience so much. The rest of the staff are doing great and Gemma is coping very well, according to many people.

I have some sad news to bring you I'm afraid. Last Thursday something terrible happened to one of our beautiful aunties who works in the children's home. She was travelling back to Sefton after her 2 days off at 9:30 in the morning. The taxi van dropped everyone else off along the way and she was the last to get off. When she asked the driver to stop he refused and grabbed her arm. He locked all the doors and drove to a secluded spot. He then raped her and drove away. She made it back to Sefton but was severely traumatised and in shock. So tragic - she is only 19 and was really going on for the Lord,

During the night she had suicidal thoughts so we had Uncle Jonathan sleep outside her room. On Friday she felt strong enough to go to the police and press charges. Good thing is that they caught the driver of the van and he is now in jail. But he told our aunty who he raped that if she went to the police, he would kill her. But she reported the crime and he is in jail.

Please pray for this lovely girl. Pray for our Social Worker Marilyn, who is handling the whole problem and ministering to the aunty. Pray against all suicidal thoughts and pray that the Lord would erase this terrible ordeal from her memory. Pray she will feel a sense of cleansing and wholeness. Pray that this will strengthen her love for the Lord. Pray that her lovely smile will come back again.

Of course, Mary was is really upset over what has happened. these staff are like our family. The devil is having a real go and is trying to shake our faith. Nothing like this has happened in 6 years, and we know this is the plan of the enemy. Please keep Mary in prayer also - that she can be a support to the team over there.

Yesterday, at the Salvation Army, we sang a number of old hymns. At Cornerstone in Santiago we don't sing many of the hymns because they don't know any of them! But when I come home it is sometimes good to sing these hymns that I haven't sang for a few years! In the service we sang 4 hymns. Two I knew, two I'd never heard of. But here are some of the verses from those hymns, and I hope they encourage you today:

O TO BE LIKE THEE! BLESSED REDEEMER
THIS IS MY CONSTANT LONGING AND PRAYER
GLADLY I'LL FORFIET ALL OF EARTH'S TREASURES
JESUS, THY PERFECT LIKENESS TO WEAR

O TO BE LIKE THEE, WHILE I AM PLEADING
POUR OUT THY SPIRIT, FILL WITH THY LOVE;
MAKE ME A TEMPLE, MEET FOR THY DWELLING
FIT ME FOR LIFE AND HEAVEN ABOVE


GIVE ME A TRUSTFUL MIND
WHEN DOUBTS AND FEARS ASSAIL;
HELP ME CONFIDE IN THEE, ASSURED
THY GRACE CAN NEVER FAIL

GIVE ME A STEADFAST MIND
FIRM AS A ROCK, AND SURE;
UNSWERVING, LOYAL I WOULD STAND
AND TO THE END ENDURE


DEAR LORD, I LIFT MY HEART TO THEE
MY HELPLESSNESS I OWN,
THE WAY BEFORE I CANNOT SEE,
I DARE NOT WALK ALONE

SO OFTEN IN THE PLEASANT PLACE
OUR FAITH DEPENDS ON SIGHT;
THE TEMPER OF MY TRUST MUST FACE
ITS TRIAL IN THE NIGHT

THEN QUIETNESS AND CONFIDENCE
AND WAITING ON THE LORD,
SHALL BE MY STRENGTH, MY SURE DEFENCE,
AND PEACE BE MY REWARD

selah ....

A Week is a Long Time ...

It is one week since I last wrote in my blog! So sorry. So much has happened in these last 7 days. I will give you a brief update, and hopefully I can try and be more regular in my writing. The pictures in this blog were taken in the last few days in the Philippines, so we are a little behind. We left our digital camera at Sefton for the team to use, so we need to buy a new one for up to date pics!

Last Monday we were in Manila and Vivien left in the morning flight back home. We bought a few last minute gifts and made our way to the airport in the afternoon. Got all our luggage through no problem - although why is it that you always feel like a guilty convict when you go through some of these airports? The three flights went well and we arrived in Aberdeen on Tuesday morning.

First thing to notice: the weather! Incredible. Thought the pilot had taken a wrong turn! My mum and dad were there waiting for us as well as Mary's brother Bruce. It was so great to see them. We drove home to Fraserburgh tired but happy. We saw our new car for the first time - a green Renault Laguna Estate. Very nice - thanks Bruce for all your hard work getting it for us! The only problem was that out main case never made it to Aberdeen - last seen in Manila! Got it now.

We came home to our 'wee hoose' in Shore Street. We were so delighted when we walked in the door. It is perfect. Living room & kitchen on ground floor, bedroom & bathroom on 1st floor and bigger bedroom on 2nd floor. It was beautiful inside and fully furnished. We would like to really thank my mum, dad, David, Elizabeth, Paul, Ashley, Aunty Helen, Gavin, Louise ... and everyone who worked or gave in any way ... for all your hard work in getting this house ready for us. Words cannot truly express our heartfelt gratitude for what you have done.

On Tueday and Wednesday we spent most of the time meeting up with my family again. Our kids were so delighted to meet and play with all their cousins. It was so brilliant to see my brothers and their families again. It felt great to be home.

On Thurday we spent time unpacking and getting things organised - TV fixed up, try to get broadband, Internet access, gas & electric cards etc. Things needed to be done and it is great to have a granny & granda around to help with the kids!!! Ha a lovely BBQ at night ... everyone was in shorts & T-Shirts but we were still in our fleeces!

Friday was a special day. We dropped off the kids with my dad and headed for Aberdeen. We met up with our close friends Keith & Anne Pointon. They have been in China for the last few years and it was good to catch up with them and talk freely! We went to Jimmy Chungs - Keith could not believe we brought them to a chinese resturaunt! In the evening, we went to visit Mary's brother Bruce and his lovely wife Alison. They have helped us so much in so many ways. The kids loved seeing their uncle & aunty again.

The weekend was also eventful. On Saturday me and Josiah went to the local football gala that was hosted by Solid Rock ministries here in Fraserburgh. Saw my best friend Ben there as well as many other folk. There were over 40 teams and hundreds of people were there. Me and Josiah were treated to Ice Cream & strawberries as well as hamburgers and coke. Nice to be home!!!

On Satuday afternoon we had a special surprise Birthday BBQ for Lydia at my brother David's lovely garden. He had 3 paddling pools out as well - felt like Waterworld! Little Josiah loved it. He was still jumping in the water even after he was dressed to go home. Boys will be boys! It was a lovely family time and an opportunity for all the cousins to get to know each other better. On Saturday night we went to our good friends Kenny & Suzanne Ross. So great to see them and the kids again. And so good to see Jackie Neil, who was down in the NE for a wee holiday. We miss Jackie so much in the Philippines and she knows everyone over there so well. She was so shocked with the death of Pastor Abe , so it was good to share with someone who really knew him. Mary had a great time catching up with her friends. I had a great time with Kenny - eating fish & chips and playing Ludo! Some things are still special.

On Sunday we went to the Elim church in the morning and the AoG church in the evening. Great to see so many old and new faces, although I think that many people were on holiday or enjoying the nice weather! In between we went to mum & dad's for lunch. MMMmmmm. Mum's beef'n'tatties. No words can describe how delocious that meal was.

Yesterday we did a few practical things in the house and prepared to go to Wick to be with Mary's mum & dad. We are really looking forward to going north. They have not seen the kids for one and a half years. It will be great to see them again later today. I am looking forward to driving on good quality roads with no tricycles, jeepnies, rice-laden trucks, crazy buses, ducks, chickens, pigs, horses or carabaou on the roads!

To be honest, the last 7 days have been good but at the same time they have been so hard for me. I have been trying process and work through the death of Abe, and it has been difficult. There have been so many times when tears have fallen as I think of what has happened. I will write more about this when I have had time to work things through in my mind and spirit. Keep praying for Gemma and the kids today. All the crowds have gone and they are left alone with their thoughts and memories .. and no husband and daddy. The picture below was taken on the day Abe died - Lydia and her 'future husband' Renz Abe!


Thanks for taking time to read the blog today. I will be more consisitent in the coming weeks. We will be one week in Wick, come back here for a few days and then go the central belt next Friday for a week. Hopefully we will see many friends again and catch up.

Wil be back soon with some news from the Philippines, Wick, Fraserburgh and wherever wlse we end up! Take care - and enjoy the weather ....

My Dear Abe...

ABRAHAM ALIPDA
1963 - 2006

Last night, my friend and co-worker went to his reward and to the Lord whom he loved with all of his heart.

He wanted to say goodbye to me before he said goodbye to this world.

We held hands most of the day ... and when I left, so did Abe. My destination was Manila; his was somehwere far better. No more pain Abe. No more suffering. No more cancer. No more tears.

As I write, tears trip on to my keyboard. My heart is really broken. For a loving wife. For two little boys with no 'papa'. For students with no shepherd. For Sefton Village with no father. For a missionary with a missing best friend.

One day we will understand, but on that day it will matter not if we understand the explaination. For we will all be in the presence of the One we love forever.

My last words to Abe were, "Abe, I have to go now. I cannot tell what will happen in the next 6 months. I do not know what will happen to me, or you. All I know is that I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN. I pray it will be here in the Philippines. But if not, let's wait for each other in heaven." In his pain, he lifed his head and winked at me. He tried to smile and lifted his thumb.

The Lord has taken Abe first. His life is a trophy of grace. His example is a blessing. His walk with God was beautiful.

Let me learn from Abe. Let my life be a preparation for heaven.

Are you ready?

Pack Up Your Troubles in You Old Kit Bag ...

Had a great weekend. On Friday we had Feeding Programme where we fed 600 kids. We actually ran out of food and had to by all the last six classes (200 kids) cakes and biscuits. They were even more delighted! The picture above shows me and Pastor Danny so happy - we only had one packet of biscuits left!!! Thank you Lord!

On Saturday we had our monthly Powerhouse here at the Fire Centre. Biggest amount of kids ever - over 500 from all around Santiago. So blessed!

On Sunday, we had our monthly Cornerstone United service. Again, so many new faces. Around 500 people turned up to celebrate together. We had Pastor Ed Guirrero preach -the guy who was totally and instantaneously healed of a massive tumour! No wonder he was so excited when he declared, "Our God is a healing God!" We prayed for around 50 people to be healed and anointed them with oil. The presence of God was tangible and I KNOW many were healed! Guess what? Pastora Julie testified! Amazing.

We ate our lunch together and then the churches had a surprise Farewell for us. What a great afternoon. In true Filipino fashion, absolutely everyone had to do something - drama, dance, songs, encouraging messages etc. It was really lovely. I looked over these 500 happy people and thought, "This is what it is all about. Transformed lives. New life."

On Monday, I had two long meetings - with the AoG District in the morning and the Bible School Board in the afternoon. Just getting everything organised for going home. This morning we had our regular Cornerstone Leaders meeting. We discussed all the vision and plans that we have over the next 6 months. I really challenged them. They are a great bunch and I know that our churches are going to grow while I am at home.

This afternoon, we had a great laugh. Mary & I gave away all the clothes that we don't use any more or that are not 'with it' in UK. Well, my wardrobe was slashed by 80% and Mary wasn't left with much either. Good news for the students at Bible School .. they got them all! So funny to see these wee pip squeaks of guys (28 inch waists and even smaller chests!) walking about with my shirts and t-shirts. But they were all so happy and shouted, "Thank you Pastor Mark .. perfect fit!" What can you say?? Check out the picture.

Keep praying for Pastor Abe. we have been praying every morning this week for him and we are believing for a breakthrough. He is trying his best to eat, but the good news is that he has been going to the toilet over the last 3 days - first time in weeks. Pray that he will eat food, digest food an pass food. Pray for a brand new stomach and brand new intestines. Pray that EVERY trace of cancer will go from his body and that he will be able to 'serve the Lord with gladness' again. I arranged for him to get a haircut from one of our Cornerstone members. First time I have seen someone having a harcur with a drip attached!

Tonight, it is almost midnight and Mary is still working away trying to get the house ready for us leaving. She is packing all our stuff into cases and we are wondering if we will ever be ready to go! I still have around 42 'Things to Do" in next few days on top of everything else. Never mind, We'll soon be home!!!!!

Speaking of home, I have details of where we are going to stay:

33 Shore Street, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB43 9EA Tel: 01346 511532
Email: seftonvillage@yahoo.co.uk

Gotta go. Busy days ahead. Life is even harder as I have been really sad since England were knocked out of World Cup and I still have times of uncontrollable tears. I will get over it someday, but just don't mention football right now. NOT.

Be blessed ...