Summer Days

April and May are the hottest months in the Philippines. It’s the later part of dry season and cloudless days heat the air and bake the ground.  By early June the rains begin and clouds blanket the country in shade.  For farmers, there’s not much to do until the rainy season comes and planting season begins.  

Because of the intense heat, April and May are also the months of summer break for schools.  Tin roofed buildings become ovens in the afternoon, just too hot to study.  Summer break is when churches (and missionaries) are quite busy with activities for the adults and programs for the kids.

During the past 3 weeks I have traveled from farms along the coast to bamboo homes in the mountains to conduct Bible trainings.  During the weeks ahead we will be busy with rice/vitamin distributions, Vacation Bible School, youth camp, weddings, associational meeting, and more Bible trainings.

On a sad note, Rev. Jun Ceballos (Feb. 20 and Aug. 3 blog postings) passed away this past Sunday morning after his kidney cancer returned about a year ago.  Just last month, his sweet wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.  They have 4 children who love their parents dearly.  Pray for them.

In the midst of sad events, hot days, and busy happenings, it takes effort to “be still and know that I am God.”  But Isaiah 26:3 reminds me, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”  Please pray for me, that during these summer days neither my mind nor my trust will waiver as I labor to serve the only One I cannot live without.