Forw^trr^irp; /eeritsM/M B->b Pniitt2785 S. ftiver RoadGrants Pass, OH 9752?

CAGA^AN VAUiiY CHILDREN'S HOMENewsletter sent by-

Rogue Valley Christian ChurchMedford, Oregon

Atiril 1995

i^ESSAGES FROM MAHY AND BERT

6 ^cy3M/M Bert BurerosF.O. Box3515 Aparri, CagayanPhilippines

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. II Corinthians 1j20Praise the Lord that we can count on His promises I How many tiroes we have seen Him carry themout. Recently His promise to supply all our needs was challenged, and He was victorious. InJan. our funds ran out before the end of the month, and somehow, through the bank, our incomingfunds were held up. But the Lord met our needs. At one point we had no food, but when a groupof students came to visit from a nearby Catholic College, each student brought some packages ofnoodle soup, and through them the Lord supplied our need. Also a church from Roxas, Isabels,(next orovince) came at a time \dien we were in great need bringing vegetables from their gardens and fields, and other food items as well. The Lord is so great to keep His word. How wethank each of you also for your part in helping the Lord to supply our needs. In the lastnewsletter we made known our need for additional supoort, and many have given to help meetthat need. For all of you who have been regular supporters, we thank you. To you new supporters we exnress our thanks and joy in having you as partners in this ministry. And for thosewho give those one-time gifts, we thank you, as they also meet special needs. Vte are thankfdlfor each one of you. Thank you also to you >rfio hold us up in prayer. Please keep praying I

RETURN{! It is good to be back and busy in this part of the Lord's work. And it has beenbusy. Bert came back early to attend a meeting concerning the campground land in Cebu. Wepraise the Lord that we did not have to sell some of the land, and through very loving andgenerous gifts we have been able to make repairs, and Bert is there right now overseeing putting uo a kitchen. They will have a camp in May. Vfe are thankful that there is now a managerto oversee the camp ground and materials. She is being paid $100.00 per month. At this timeit is being paid by the Cebu Bible Seminary. But they can only pay through May. If any church,class, or individual would like to take this on as a project (partial or full), let us know,and designate it on your check.

Immediately on arriving in the Philippines we joined the annual missionary get-to-gether. Itwas a blessing and joy to see the other missionaries and to share in prayer, the Word, andfellowship. June 1996 will be the next All-Asia Missionary get-to-gether, in Taiwan. We arepraying we will be able to go. Anyone else is welcome also.

SATELLITE NEWS There has not been much change in the family in the last 3 months. Two boysfrom the Satellite Home went home in March. Sammy. 1 mo. ^riien he came, now 11 mos., wenthome to his narents. His mother had been ill and is now strong. Jefferson. 3 yrs. old, cameat 1 yr., and has been adopted by distant relatives. He has adapted well to his new family.Dick and Kay, managers, are honing to get a long term lease on the house and property of theSatellite Home, and to be able to do some developing. They are also planning their furlough,'starting in March 1996. Please pray about how both of these plans will be accomplished, witMfunds and replacements.

SCHOOL SCOOP: We just had school closing, and it was a busy time t Wehad 3 school graduates, each in a different school. Joy Joy was8th in her class and also got the Singer of the Year award. Alfredoreceived the Athlete of the Year award. Jocelyn did not receive anysnecial award, but made us happy by working hard and improving hergrades a lot. All three graduates are planning to attend Seminary.We also had 3 graduates from our own school, from 6th grade. Theyare all looking forward to high school: Manuel, Nelia, and Joyce.We are also nroud of Jacob, who got the highest GPA for our idioleschool: 99*3 Both boys, olus several other students, were on theHonor Roll (95/& or above grade average, balanced subjects, and goodbehavior). Jessie. Medical Student, continues to do trell, still holding2nd place in his class. Right now he is on a medical mission to 3 otherislands and -will go to Manila for the month of May for special training(only the top ^ receive this experience). Thanks very much to you idiohave designated funds to keep him in schcol. He has applied for ascholarship and we should hear in May. Please keep this in your prayers. And we still need funds to send the others on to school.

Please nray for our school, as we need more teachers. They must bededicated Christians wanting to serve as a ministry. Training will bethe end of April, so we need the Lord to send them riaht away.AGTA PROGRESS: A big event was the Agta Christian Convention, earlyAnril. Thank you for all your snecial gifts designated for the Agta.The Philinnine Self-Help Foundation in Japan has been a great contributor for snecial nrojects to improve Agta income. Other donationshelp with evangelism, spiritual training,and other needs.SATAN AT WORK In Jan. someone broke into the office and stole some money. Thankfully, we hadlittle of the general fund, and some money for an Agta project. There had been other stealinggoing on and we know it was done by one of the children who used to live here. We are not surewho broke into the office.

JessieDoctor in training

Satan has been trying to cause problems and discourage us in this work, bat we know that ifSatan is fighting against us we are a threat to him, and we also know our strength and victoryis in Christ Jesus. Please continue to hold us up in nrayer. We have had some problems withstaff and other things, and some changes are being made.HbCHi KAFTON. who has been irith us more than 4 years, after much nrayerand with a heavy heart has gone back to the States for medical reasons,nossibly to stay. We really miss him. Hugh is a retired nurse and took PJnj, '^1care of dispensing medicines each day. He also learned Braille a coupleyears ago so that he could teach Dennis, our blind boy. He was a greatChristian servant examole for us all. We are so thankful for Hugh's jiagi#'dedication and love for the Lord and for the Home and the children.Dennis is especially concerned now that Hugh is gone, as to t^o will behis teacher. We have ordered Braille PACES in the A.C.E. program, andwould be very happy if there were someone out there who can read andteach Braille, and would like to come teach tennis. It could possibly ^become a great ministry for other blind persons also. S 9fViSITOAS11 We are again looking forward to the visit of Eldon Potts P'and his many companions. They will be putting in a solar water heater, ^ ^play-ground equioment, and bringing funds for starting to cement ourdrivewav. Funds are still needed. If you would like to help, designateit on your check. Tney will leave the States in mid-May.

We have been blessed with visits from some of our children who are away. -JMjjlJoAnn and her husband, Bhoy, and their baby have been with us. How wehave enjoyed them and getting to be close to our grandson. Michael has ' j v) ^also been here for a visit. We praise the Lord that he is now wrkingand has left behind his bad habits. Pray that he will find good Christ-ian fellowship in Manila and grow closer to the Lord.

We are eagerly anticipating the visit of Mary's brother lee and AnneMarie and family. They will arrive Anril 23 for 3 weeks. Please keepthem in your prayers as they travel.

Beca-jse of so many visitors we are in need of guest quarters. Ourhouse has 3 bedrooms and almost always they are full, 2 of them with Genervisitors. For our family's sake, and for space for the visitors (we areexoecting other groups as well as individual visitors), we need more space. There are somedifferent options on how to get that space, but we would like your prayers for that need.There has been a fund started for the guest quarters if you would like to help./^P'L.Forsberg-, student intern from Forest Grnvp, Oregon, is doing wel1_8nH ts_ helping ..some ofour handicaooed kids learn responsibilities.Thank vou again to all of you for your loving faithfulness and generosity, making it possiblefor us to help these children. We are thankful when we get good reports of those who havelived here. One boy had grown up here for 10 years and then went to live with his aunt. Siesaid that Wilfrey really has a firm foundation in his belief (they are not Christians). Heis not afraid to take a stand when asked to do something he knows is against God's will. Heis also a good helper in their home. You all have a part in his faith, as you made itpossible for us to teach him. Ihank you all so much. Thanks also to those vho gave forGener's braces. His legs are already much better. May the Lord bless each of you for yourgenerosity.

In Christ's love, Bert and Mary

PRAISESSafe trin backLord's guidance and protectionLord's rrovision in many waysGener's braces purchasedCamp progress

CAGAYAh Valley CHILDREN'S HOMENewsletter sent by

ROGUE VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH1440 S. OAKDALE 773-31^MiDfORD, OREGON 97501

MISSIONS DEPARTMENT

Address Correction Requested

Summer activities with all kids homeThe funds for education, daily needs,guest quartersTeachers and school needsDick and Kay and furlough plansAs kids are adoptable the Lord willprovide Christian homes

Non-profit Organization-U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No, 56IMedford, Oregon

Horizons MagazineMissions ServicesBox 2427Knoxville IN 37901-

CAGAYAN VALLEY CHILDREN'S HOMENewsletter sent by

Rogue Valley Christian ChurchMedford, Oregon

July 1995

MESSAGES FROM MARY AND BERT

"Through Jesus, therefore, letus continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise the fruit ofour lips that confess his name.And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God ispleased." Hebrews 13; 15 & 16

Dear friends, because somany ofyou have not forgotten to do good, we do offer a sacrifice of praise to our God. Many ofyou have been sogenerous that we can only praise God for you and thank you. Thank you to you who are faithful, continualsupporters. Thank you to you who have increased your giving. Thank you to you who have begun giving, and thank you tothose ofyou who gave theone time gifts that you could. Allofyou together, trusting in theLord for your needs as well, havemade it possible for our needs to be met. We have caught up on some needed repairs, have been able to purchase someneeded items, and hadenough to eat as well. Thank you all so much. There are still some repairs to do, and needed items,but we trust the funds will continue to come.

Actually, I wouldcall the last 3 months "THE MONTH OF BLESSINGS". We have been so blessed and want to share withyou our joy and blessii^, so we can praise the Lord together.

FIRST BLESSING was yourgreat answer to ourmany andpressing needs. Again, thank youall so much.

The SECQFJD BLESSING is the blessing of visitors, ^ril 23 - May 15 was a special time as Mary's brother. Lee, and hiswife, Anne Marie, and family came to visit. What fun to have family here, and for the boys to have time with their coiisinsagain! We did some traveling to Cebu, the Satellite Home, and the Rice Terraces, besides having time here at Home. Theproblem, as usual: thetime was tooshort and went too fast. We appreciate their church sending them. Please pray for Leeand Anne Marieas theyare looking into foreign missions as a possibility in their lives.

One week afterLee andfamily leftEldonPotts and company arrived. This time there were 14 in thegroup and they came fora week. We had many blessings from them, most of them unexpected. They gave a microwave oven to us and one to theDavidsons! I never thought we would have one of those. They also purchased a new freezer for the Home, and we weresurprised! We also appreciate all who supported their group and made it possible for them to construct more playgroundequipment anda solarwater heater. As usual, they brought gifts for each child. Many individuals and churches gave to makeall these blessings possible, and wethankeachone of you. Part of the blessingwasalso the fact that the older childrengot towork together with thevisitors in the construction. They enjoyed the work aid the close contact it provided with the visitors.Thetime to shareand visitwith them is a greatencouragement to the kids. These guestsare remembered each time we use thenew Karaoke that they purchased for us as well.

We were also blessed with having our boy Wilfrev home for a visit for a week. He is now 12. He went to live with his auntwhile wewere in the States. Hewas teppy to be hereand the kids were so glad to see him, also. It was hard to saygood bye

Our THIRD BLESSINGcame in two parts. Last Dec. we were given a computerto be used by our forwarding agents to help with their work. In May we wereblessed here as a friend of ours gave us a computer. Again, an unexpectedblessing. We praise the Lord for how He blesses us in so many ways, throughHis loving people.

The FOURTH BLESSING came from FAME as they gave a scholarship to Jessieto cover his next two years of medical school! What a great blessing, and itbrings special peace to know that is taken care of. We know the Lord wouldsupply, but it is nice to know we have it. Thank you to all of you who have beenSupporting him and prayir^ for him. Please continue.

We are thankful for Amv Forsbere's time with us (about 6 mos.), and the help shewas, especially her help in training some of the handicapped. The babiesenjoyed her also. I know she had a great time here and benefitted from it. Webenefitted from her- being here and are thankful she came and shared of hertalents and time.

SCHOOL RF.TXS School started June 6. Many of our children are back inschool, and life has somewhat of a schedule sgain. We have 8 beginning AmyandFriands

kindergarten, and 7 advanced (plus one staff child), 46 in grades 1 to 6, plus 1 staff child and 3 others from Aparri, 5 in highschool, 2 in vocational school, 5 in seminary, 1 in medical school, and 1 in the deaf school. In Solano they have 3 inkindergarten, 4 in elementary and 2 in highschool. You can see we are still in need of funds for education. Bert is also backin school on weekends for his Masters - thanks to a generous gift.

We were able to hire more teachers for our school, and so we expect abetter year ^this year. The three who graduated from our school and are in high school placed inthe top of their class when thev took the entrance exam. We were able to take in 3outside students from Aparri. We would like to be able to open our school to the ^public some day soon, and use it as an evangelistic tool. Many people here send " "T' g tj9|Htheir children to Manila where they can be in top quality private schools, and wouldlove to just send them to our school. We would need a separate building to do that. IHhPlease keep this in your prayers. We have received our operating permit from the ^ ^Dept. of Education -an essential item. ' fThe AGTA CHRISTIAN CONVENTION was well attended. There were about 30 J - 7baptisms at the convention, and following. Several of those baptized were Hocanosfrom the town where the convention was held, and most of them were young people. '' I I . ' fWe praise the Lord that one of the Agta men, Henry, has started awork in another f f Wvillage, on his own initiative. We rejoice as we see these people excited about the ; fcJ Jr ,Lord and sharing with others. \ 1We praise the Lordfor the greatsummer we had. Thechildren were all so good,worl^g, playing and sharing together. With 20 teenagers in the house Iwas abit 'anxious, but surely did not need to be. DAa/?a

COMINGS AND GOINGS There have been several changes in the families. At the main Home one of our little boys wasadopted. Nelson. 2, left us April 23 to live with his "mama and papa". He came back for a visit a few days ago and seemsveryhappy and well adjusted. We were all thrilled to see him again. Kemn. who came when she was 3, went to live with hermom, step father and brothers. She is 12 years old now. We pray she will be a strong light for Jesus to her family. Dianacame at one month. She is half Agta, healthy and pretty. Her mother's husband left her and she had to find work. A great joywe had this summer was seeing our Ronnie accept Christ and be baptized. Pray that he will continue to grow in his love andfaith in the Lord.

Sblaho (Satellite Home) has been blessed with several children these last few months. First came Gilbert 2 yrs. old, from afamily with problems. Paul, also 2, came next. His mother has some mental problems that I think started after she lost herhusband. Just recently Reva Marie. 1 mo. old, joined them. She is from an unwed mother who already has two others (ages 21/2 and 1) and cannot take care of her properly. Sherwvn. 6 mos., was brought by a relative who has been caring for himsince his mother died at his birth. Little Marc was able to go home with his mother recently.

Dick and Kav Davidson will be going on furlough next year. Please keep their furlough plans in your prayers. They areconcerned about someone to stay in their home while they are gone. Please keep that need in your prayers.

We are expecting more visitors. This week, missionary friends, plus friends from Japan who support the Agta work (6 in all).In July we will welcome a group of 14 young people and sponsors from Pasco, WA As you can see we need that guesthousing.

Thank youagain forall the wonderful prayer, support, andgifts of goodswith which you have blessed us. We praise the Lordthat His supply never runs out. Thank you for not only giving a sacrifice of praise with your lips, but giving sacrificially tothis ministry and being partnerswith us. May the Lord bless each one of you as abundantlyas He has blessed us.

In Christ's love, Bert and Mary

CAGAYAN VALLEY CfflLDREN'S HOMENewsletter sent byROGUE VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH1440 S. OAKDALE 773-3144MEDFORD, OREGON 97501

MISSIONS DEPARTMENT

Address Correction Requested^OTlzons MagazineMissions ServicesBox 2427Knoxville TN 37901-

Non-Profit Organization-U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 561Medford, Oregon

CAGAYAN VALLEY CHILDREN'S HOMENewsletter sent by

Rogue ValleyChristianChurchMedford, Oregon

October 1995

MESSAGES FROM MARY AND BERT

M/M Bert BurerosP.O. Box 49

3515 Aparri, CagayanPhilippines

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for ourbrothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother inT>ecd but has no pity on him, how can the love of Qod bein himl Dear iildrcn, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." IJohn 3:16-18In the recent stress of several outstanding court actions todetermine guilt orthe lack ofit; 1diink of how all ofus would befound "GIULTY" were it not for die sacrifice of Jesus Christ But because Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rosefirom the deod, we are "T^OT OmLTY" even tibough we are guilty. What great love the Father has for us, shown bymaking His son guilty so that we m^ be not guilty. We have a great job to lay down our lives so others who are stillguilty may know Cli^st and become not guilty. Thank you to all of you who have had compassion and pity and haveshown your love by deeds, by giving and prying so that we may be able to care for and feed thechildren and bring themupin the love ofChrist And thank you to those ofyou whose compassion makes it possible for us to take food, clothes,medicines, and the Gospel to the Agtapeople. We pndse the Lord for your partnership widi us.TNTFi^-rouNTRY AnoPTmN A new and exciting development is our involvoncnt in Inter-Country adoption. Wehave two 4 yr. old boys we haveplaced widiChristian families in the Stateswhowill be leaving us in October. It is greatfor them to have their own families, buttough on us in the separation, because we have had them since they woe babies.So pr^ forall of us, especially for their adjustment to dieir new homes. There aremai^ children in this country in need ofhomes - especially Christian homes. At least our c^droi at the Hcnne are brought up in tibie Lord, but many here in diiscountry arenot A Christian home could be their saving. There is a greatneed for adoptive families fn olda children (4yrs. & up) andhandicapped children. Here at the Home we haveboys ages8 and 10,and a girl age 8, who are anxious tohave homes, but there are no ^licants for childroi fiiese ages. If any of you have the money, love, heart and space foranother child, this is a great way to shareChrist's love and provide a home at the same time. I know it can bring great joy.Ifyou need information on adoption, look for local adoption agencies or write us and we can give you some names.MQRF VISITQRS Again we have been blessed by visitors. John Wilson, from Japan, with Ae Philippine Self-helpFoundation, visited for a coi^le d^s. Hispurpose was basically with die Agtaministry where theyhaveseveral livelihoodprojects going. John also likes to spend timewithour kids here at the Home, making his visitsvery special to us. Early inJuly, the youth and their sponsors from the Christian Church in Pasco. WA, came for about a week. They paid for all thesupplies and did all the woik to paint the Home. Our building looks beautifiil! One of them gave us the idea to put everychild's hand print on the wall as a design. We have received many comments on this and it looks great. The kids lovelooking at their hand prints and pointing them out to visitors. Hiey were a great group, both kids and sponsors, and weappreciate their help and hard work, as well as those who backed them up in prayer, preparatioo and finances. Dfisa endBeth Byms. the forwarding agents for Dick and Davidson at the Satellite Home, were here for a quick visit. Weenjoyed being in their home when we visited them in Montana, and were happy to be able to host diem. I know theyenjoyed their visit to the Philippines. In August, Tim Adams from Grants Pass, OR, came to stay for six months to dohandy-man woik. Jim left his job at home for a whilejust to come and serve. He worked hard and accomplished much.We praise God for his quick adjustment and great help.COMINGS AND GOINGS We have had quite anumber ofchanges in our family in the last three months.Several of our older children decided to go home, for Hdifferent reasons. Emelyn. Arsenio. and Magie, all left, k |They are strong Christians and we pray they will be Wkbright lights for the Lord. Leamie. 11, also asked to gohome. She knows the Lord, but has not yet accepted ^Him personally, Pray that she will stay close to Him and . 11^- W. T,"^soon give her life to Him. Jody left to go fmd work afterfinishing a vocational course. He went to Manila but ^HHIwas back in a week. Pray that he wiU soon be able tofind work and support himself. He is now 20 yrs. old.We took Medarlo^ 9. and Lonalynr 12, home after havingseveral problems with them that affected the otherchildren. Theirmother wanted them (although she is notreally stable fmancially) and they are happy to be home. - ?-Their Grandmother is a strong Christian so we pr^ she 1will be able to continueto guide them spiritually. Roberto 2 mos. old

We have received three new children. Roberto, an Agtababy, came at 2 wks. old. The mother is very ill. He wasquite thin but now chubby and smiley. At die same time Nerina came at 1 day old. Her Agta mother has lost severalchildren justafter bi^ and wanted this one tost^ alive. Then came Geoffrey. 9 mos. old, whose mother died after tryingto abort a baby. The father (who was gone when thewifedied) wasvery sick sohe took his family to his mother. Shehas1 mo. old twins and could not care for Geoffrey. He was thin, but happy once his stomach was fiiU. Two days later hestarteda fever and was diagnosed as having typhoidfever. Hewasin thehospital a few daysbut is much better now.

At the SATET.T.ITF. HOME in Solano, Joel, 13, has some cysts in his knees and needs to have surgeiy. We are hopingtobeable to get a lotof the surgeiy done free, but anyone who can help with this expense please designate your gift as such.We should have this done before the end of theyear. The latest addition, Carmina- is about 2 wks. old. Her mother wentintopostpartum depression. Sheis now on medication, which weare helping to purchase.The house we arc renting in Solano may be coming up for sale. Please pray with us as we consider purchasing. It wouldbegreat to own the home instead of leasing, but we also want tobe sure this isthe place the Lord desires for ustost^.AGTA PROGRESS We praise God that theAgta woric continues to grow. We have hired avery respected Christian man, one who alsohelped in the translating of the Scripture intodieir language, to travel to die different villagesand churches. He talLg with the people,counsels, helps with church problems, advises,etc. He is also finding other villages who wantsomeone to teach them die Word of God. Wehave also found out about some land designatedfor tribal people (not cmly Agtas) so somegroups who do not own land are moving togetheron that land. This is consolidating some of thechurches and freeing some woricers to go toother places. Please pray for Ambov. for safetyas he travels, and for wisdom as he works widiand advises the people. Hie Qocano pastor whoheaded up this wo^ for so many years is nolonger with us, but Amboy is doing a great job.RISING PRICES Prices are going \sp and the government is now discussing a wage increase, possftily 50.00 pesos($2.00) a d^ (multiplied by 40 workers). Please continue to pray with us for His continual supply through you, Hispeople. Our words ofthnnks seem so inadequate, but we are so grateful fw your faithful giving and prayers. We arc trulyblessed by your love.

SPECIAL PRAYER NEEDS We would like torequest special prayer for Simand Diane Smelser and dieir two youngdiildren. They arrived in Apairi last April to try to start the radio ministry and apiloting ministry. In Sept they found out

. Diane has .(ameer friroughout her body, spreading very quickly. They have return^ to the States for treatment Now it isin the Lord's hands. 1know they would appreciate your pn^^ers.

Also, Peter and Paulette Coco, ayoung, new couple working in aCampus ministry in Baguio, just lost their baby, bora 4mos. premature. 1know this isa trying time for them and they would appreciate your prayers.Thank you all again for your loving and prayerful partnership with us. May you also feel the Lord sgreat blessings.

PRAISES1. We are "NOT GUILTY" in Christ2. Sufficient funds3. Schoolis goingwellwithournew teachers4. For Christian adoptive homes5. For our good health and safety traveling

muim

Jungle Gym -provided by Eldon Potts Group and donors

In Christ's Love, Bert and Mary

PRAYERS

1. Continued sufficient funds with priceand wage increases

2. For Jody to fmd work3. Dick and Kay's furlough plans and needs4. Funds for guest quarters5. Christian adoptive families forthechildren needing homes

CAGAVAN VALLEY CHILDREN'S HOMENewsletter sent byROGUE VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH1440 S. OAKDALE 773-3144MEDFORD, OREGON 97501

Non-profit OrganizationU.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 561Medford, Oregon

MISSIONS DEPARTMENT

Address Correction Requested Horizons MagazineMissions ServicesBox 2427Knoxvllle IN 37901-