BIBLE CAMP DONATION

MARCH 2018

 The Ulithi ministry that launched last summer is continuing by God’s grace, though it has had its challenges. Our mission pastor, Petrus and his wife Queentina fly out there each week to lead Bible studies and baptize new believers, with the support of PMA pilots. Heidi has been able to meet with the believers there too, which has been great. We are thankful for the revival service that took place in November, where 22 people accepted Christ, and that 4 new believers were baptized by Pastor Petrus and Pastor Epel (visiting from PMA’s church in Pohnpei). Please pray for unity among these believers, as they figure out how to “be the church” to their group and to their community. Pray also for truly repentant hearts, changed lives and total commitments to following Jesus. 

 Sea searches and Medevac: Over the Thanksgiving holiday, PMA Yap was asked to help search for a fishing vessel that had capsized mysteriously in Palauan waters. The PMA teams in Yap and Palau, along with the Coast Guard, worked tirelessly to search for 7 Japanese fishermen who had seemingly disappeared without a trace, but with no success. A few days later, we received news that the fishermen had been rescued by the same ship that had collided with them, and taken to the Philippines. What a great relief to hear that the men were safe after the tension and sadness of the previous days! 

While our teammate Simon was flying the sea search in Palau, Amos was suddenly called to Ulithi island to medevac a patient who had been paralyzed some time before when a drum of fuel had accidently fallen on his neck. His condition had not improved with the local medicine treatment, so Amos flew him to the Yap hospital. He was able to visit him later to talk and share some of our Thanksgiving dinner with him. 

Sadly, not every sea search ends happily. Over Christmas, a man named Simeon was lost at sea while fishing off of Fais island. He did not have a boat; only a hibiscus pole to float with (it’s possible he had a heart attack, as he was an experienced fisherman). Unfortunately, four days passed before PMA was contacted and dispatched. After hours of searching, the PMA crew had to return back to Yap with no good news. A few days later, Amos flew Simeon’s family to Fais for the funeral, which was very emotional for everyone. Please remember Simeon’s family and small island community in your prayers as they cope with their grief and loss

Youth ministry: Last year our teammates the Fergusons led the youth group on Yap before they moved on, and so there was a need for new youth leaders. We decided to jump back into the world of shepherding teenagers (oh boy!) Our meetings have gone well so far, and we are really enjoying this group of young people. We would really appreciate your prayers for wisdom (and energy) as we try to lead them into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. 

To Wrap It All Up: The last few months brought its share of adventures, hard work, disappointments and blessings. God was there through it all, teaching us to cast our cares on Him and persevere. 2 Timothy 2: 11-13 says  Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;  if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;  if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.“ May we seek to be faithful to Him in this work He has called us to do, despite our weaknesses and times of discouragement. May He humble us to be willing to accept ALL things that He brings our way-the good and the bad, and may we wake up each morning with a fresh excitement to “proclaim His praise in the islands!” 

Finally, we would like to thank all of you who faithfully lift us up in prayer and give generously to this ministry. We could not be here doing this and reaching people with Christ’s love if it were not for you all. Your continued support gives us great encouragement and reassures us that we are where God has called us to be. 

God Bless you all! 

Heidi Collins