Update from the Del Hooge family - missionaries to Philippines

Dear Friends,

The days fly past in quick succession. It hardly seems possible that we are again at the end of another year of serving here in the Philippines. The year has been filled with joys, as well as disappointments. We can only thank the Lord for His continued grace in granting us strength.

I was looking back over the accomplishments and was amazed at the number of times we were able to minister and touch people’s lives. By my calculations this past year I spoke more than 270 times in places all over the Philippines as well as China and Australia. We have seen over 1,000 come to know the Lord in our BLESS outreaches through local churches and their missions. Here in the home church we have baptized many who have been saved in the establishment of a new congregation here in the south of Metro Manila.

Here at the school we have a security guard who has been watching what is going on for some time. He was always somewhat “sour faced” since he attended a local cult church which is strong against our biblical faith. However, a few weeks ago he asked for an appointment with the national pastor who preaches every Sunday afternoon. The next day there was a BIG smile on his face. He followed the Lord in Baptism the following week.

We had the opportunity to again visit with those who are starting daily discipleship ministries with their children (sometimes called a Christian school) in China. Over 120 delegates attended from over 20 schools. We were again challenged at their determination to give a biblical foundation to their children’s lives even though it goes against the laws of their land. They are taking a strong stand to give a biblical world-view to the next generation as best they can.

In our Missions Conference we had two new missionaries. One is going to Tibet, the other to Vietnam. These men have the ability to go where we cannot go. They learn the language quickly. They assimilate into the culture and soon appear as a native. They are an extension from you through the missionary work here. Both are graduates from the Christian schools and were impacted by the lives of missionaries they studied about in school.

This past Thanksgiving we had the joy of a surprise visit with our children in Springfield for only 10 days. It was a “time to remember” for all. The surprise on their faces was worth the long trip. It was a joy to be there for two of the grandchildren’s birthdays. We are so proud of our kids and grandkids.

Your prayers and support keep us on the field where many are learning of God’s grace and salvation. Thank you so much.

Del & Lora Hooge