Matt.2:2b- We saw his star in the East and had come to worship Him. V. 7. Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star they saw. (After the talk with Herod) they went on to Bethlehem- the star appeared again, this led them to the house, they saw the Child with his mother they bowed down and worshipped him. They presented him gifts: gold, incense and myrrh. Matt. 2:1-16 (Good News Bible) Magi who studied the stars came from the East- probably South Arabia or Persia- several miles away, maybe 6 months to one year or more days of travel- V.2 made an inquiry in Jerusalem “Where is the baby born to be King of Jews?” they missed the guiding bright star- after the inquiry they went on to Bethlehem- the star appeared again- hearts were filled with joy- the star guided them until they came to the house. V.2:8 & 9- Herod was furious- he was out witted by the Magi- ordered the Killing of all boys 2 years and below in Bethlehem and neighbor villages- in relation to exact time the Magi told him about the star they saw when their travel begun.
Dear loving Friends,
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Is it merry? Yes, it should be to all Christians. Many Filipinos are still in the midst of transition from trauma, no homes living under roof of loving people. Nov.6 & 7- Typhoon Santi, lashed provinces South of Manila- blown houses, roads and bridges broken and more land slides and floods- some 3,000+ still in evacuation centers- tall well lighted Christmas trees were being flashed in TV’s, then fear and sorrow gripped the hearts of many-
Nov.23- Maguindanao Massacre 57 killed- 18 of these were journalists- investigations and solutions are being aired around the clock. Dec.5/09- our President declared Martial Law in Maguindanao- is God with us? Yet, we know that “all things work together for good to him that love God.” It is in these situations the power of God is manifested. Awesome God working wonders and miracles! The perseverance of the Magi to see and worship Jesus is a great inspiration in the midst of diverse trials- I believe what is now happening: catastrophes, killings and etc. and preaching the Gospel to the world are all signs of the Lord’s soon coming (Matt.24:7,13-14). GNB- Rev.3:10 & 11 “Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you safe from the time of trouble which is coming upon the world to test all the people on earth. I am coming soon. Keep safe what you have so that no one will rob you of your Victory Prize.”
Food for the children in GCM- Home and love gifts for our teachers are our biggest problem- Satan is taking advantage of the situation to weaken our faith in the Lord, “Meeting daily bread is hard- in the midst of crisis- however, we count our blessings naming them one by one. ”New government law “A High School in every village”- GCM-High School’s enrollment drop to almost 50%. Elementary operation begun 2003- grades 1 and 2 had classes in the High School building 2006- Construction of Elementary building begun- 3 classrooms grades I-III moved in, dear friend for 40 years Sarah Johnston graduated to heaven, her husband sent some money in her Memory plus other love gifts thus in 2008 4th room was finished. Fibias College of Bible Students and Faculties’ “2008 Christmas for Jesus fund drive” was given towards the finishing of 2 classrooms plus GCM money from farm and a fattened pig August 2008 the 2 classrooms were enclosed and roofed- 6 classrooms made the Elementary building complete! Office was required. How? Mario Caliwan 1979 Orphanage Alumni- he was solicited by the Elementary Principal- Perpetua Caliwan Llorico- his sister also an orphanage alumni- God had blest his job- so he volunteered to construct the office till finished at his expense- Surprise! The Department of Social Welfare and Development requires that Clienteles be trained to have livelihood projects. Mr. & Mrs. Banguilan donated some money to construct a small store. GCM-IT- helped to get this Project realized. It started operation in 2008- bigger Orphanage Children take turns buying and selling to run a store for income “Livelihood”. In 2001 the Department of Education required Schools to add Computer lessons in the School Curriculum. Mrs. Evelyn Lim Tan graciously donated a nice Computer room- equipments are safe- after 7 years due to termites and rust the room needed repair- the donor lovingly financed the repair- it looks nice and safe again.
More Blessings!Badian people and neighbor villages requested GCM- for a College- no, we can’t afford. We prayed for a Water Purifier for our nice Mountain Spring Water- urgent need- during bad storms- people in the area suffer from diarrhea- remote villages are far from doctor’s help, but no money. However, Dr. Edward M. Keazirian’s Family agreed to give GCM- their Project- a “Memorial for their Dad”-
“A Remembrance of Dad” said Dr. Edward M. Keazirian II. Purified Water Filling Station- fulfilled desire of Rev. Edward M. Keazirian I- to be active in Missions- “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again- the water I give (said Jesus) will become in him- a Spring of Water welling up to eternal life Rev. Keazirian is telling to everyone to know Jesus the source of living water. John 4:13-14b.
During the 4 very bad typhoons- the need for a generator came up! The Water Purifier in time of power failure can not work so there will be no purified water- the need was given for Prayer- Robert and Lydia Bañaga, my nephew sent the money for the generator thru D.M. Stearns. We shall buy the machine as soon as the money comes- Electricity in remote villages is very poor. What a blessing having the electric supply always.
Praise and Prayer Request:
1. Finally six rooms of the Elementary building are all enclosed and being used- money to get 3 classrooms cemented and 6 door shutters and 18 windows. 2. Mr. and Mrs. Mario Caliwan as he finishes the Elementary office that he and his family will grow in the Lord and in good health. 3. GCM- Family and all teachers be kept healthy and spiritually strong. 4. GCM-IT-Missional business- ware house to be finished. 5. Money to buy hand tractor -$2, 200.00
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God bless you! With love and Prayers.
Gratefully yours,
Arsenia & GCM Family
Elementary Office is being constructed soon to be finished.
Computer room donated by Banner Plasticard, Inc. through Mrs. Evelyn Lim Tan- President 2001 then renovated 2009
Store- Children learn to buy and sell part of their development
