Originally posted by Elder Gus Harter
Praise the Lord, I finally graduated from a short course in Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines. Bea and Hope took the course with me and grasp the language quicker than I. However, we have along way to be fluent in conversation but we now have a good understanding of the grammar, sentence structure and a far better understanding of the culture. In spite of putting me behind in almost everything, I have attempted to accomplish the understanding will be extremely profitable. It is bit shallow to tell someone you are a Filipino and cannot speak the language. Bea, Hope and I were given a diploma saying we had finished our course, but it is more accurate to say we had to quit. The girls will start college in a week and I need to work with the churches.
We sold our home and are renting a home in a very secure subdivision. We were in the process of building but we have to put that on hold at present. The home is about the size of the one we had but has a large yard filled with playground equipment. Just made for our needs. Our new address is 110 Davao Street, Insular Village Phase II, Davao City 8000. Our post office box is still the same, P.O. Box 82333, Davao City 8000, Philippines. Our new telephone number is 011-63-82-300-3208. My cell phone is 011-63-916-325-6634. Our e-mail address is gbharter@mozcom.com .
All the children are well. Under the circumstances Betty Jo is doing amazingly good. Besides caring for our large family, she has maintained Beauty for Ashes and expanded that ministry. There is always some new challenge she attempts to undertake. Be watching the web page, I will let her tell her story. If you are not internet active, we will update you in the Newsletter.
The Churches are continuing to prosper and we rejoice that several ministers have united with our people. Just two weeks ago I had the privilege of baptizing a wonderful young minister and his wife with thirty of his members. The ministers’ name is Brother Conrado Quinto.
During June 26-29, Elders David Pyles and Michael Gowens will be with us in the Philippines. I have scheduled a 4-Day meeting with our ministry so that these good men can preach to them morning, noon and night. May our Lord grant them preaching grace and clarity in teaching.
Beauty for Ashes is continuing to be of great benefit to the community of Davao. Each month we are sending home children healthy and bringing little ones whom we are challenged to help survive with antibiotics and good nutrition. Although this is not a work of the church many of the membership of Providence Church have volunteered to help. Please pray we will be able to continue this good work. Also please pray for the children.
In our large family all are well. The older children help with the little ones. We also have two helpers. We do take time for recreation. There is never a dull moment and the children are an abundance of joy. It is not without frustrations and sometimes sheer exhaustion.
Regarding the danger of kidnapping and rebel insurgence, the problems are real. But Davao City is the safest city in Mindanao. We have only a few Muslims and a strong law and order mayor. When traveling we try to use caution and good judgment. Our Lord has been gracious in His providential protection over us. We ask a continuation of your prayers on our behalf.
Your Servant in Christ.
Gus Harter
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