Our flight from London to Abu Dhabi took us 7 ½ hours, then, we stopped over at Abu Dhabi airport for about 6 hours. From Abu Dhabi to Manila, it took us another 8 1/2 hours of flight and as soon as we got out of the airport, we proceeded directly to the Victory Bus Station, waited for 3 hours for the bus and finally travel by ground for 12 hours. 12 hours travel and not the usual 8 hours because there were so many road repairs starting from Dalton Pass of Nueva Vizcaya up to Cordon, Isabela (whew! because of the election! You’re right Ptr. Steve!).Oh what a long and weary travel! We left London on the morning of the 18th of May and reached Santiago City at 7am on the 20th. But praise the Lord ! we were able to catch up with the Despedida (Farewell) Party of the Kerr family (Matthew, Claire, Madeline and Ariella). We thought we were fine then and can go back to work immediately on the following day, but for the next days and about more than a week, it was terrible. We have a jetlag and were hard up in adjusting to the time zone difference. We cannot help but sleep at daytime and awake during night time. After recovering from jetlag, we again find it hard how to start at work and ministry. What shall we do first was the big question. But finally, we’re back to normal although our mind is still left in Scotland.
The ministry work we had with the Filipino fishermen, the happy and unforgettable time and experiences we had with our Scottish friends, the beautiful sceneries (Balmoral Castle, Duthie Park, Scott Monument, Edinburgh Castle, Sheffield, Chatsworth House, Biblical Garden, Baxter, Myrus Golf Driving Range, Gardenstown, Pennan, & Crovie, Gamrie, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, House of Parliament, Downing St, Green Park, London Bridge, London Eye, etc.) and new things that we have seen in Scotland, Shetland (thanks Neil & Linda) and England (thanks George & Jane), the wonderful and memorable fellowships we had with the Filipinos and Scottish brethren and friends in Peterhead and Fraserburgh, the links we had established with different pastors, leaders and members of AOG churches, the different delicious meals and desserts (fish and chips, mints and tatties, Cullen skink, hoggies, lamb’s kidney, fresh cows milk, Scottish tea, the famous Scotland ice cream, etc.), the friendship, warm and hospitality of the Scottish, the cold weather…all these still fresh in our minds and embedded in our hearts, will forever be treasured and cherished for the rest of our lives.
We truly thanked the Lord for DAVIDand GRACE STRACHAN who blessed us tremendously by sponsoring our trip to the UK, warmly accommodated us in their home, spent a lot of time to us even if they are so busy at work, and have arranged all our schedules making every day in our stay in UK very fruitful, productive and memorable. To David and Grace, we once again extend our heartfelt and deepest thanks to you, for all the things that you have done, for the love, understanding, patience and everything! You are a great couple! You have a great family! We now know why the Lord is blessing you so much…because you are a blessing to many people, especially to the Filipino fishermen who are working so hard in your country and sacrificing being away from their family. You show them love. You give them joy. You offer themfriendship. They find comfort in your presence and feel no stranger in your place. They feel at home every time they’re with you.
To all those who are reading this post, we request for your prayers for the ministry of David and Grace Strachan to the Filipino fishermen that it will grow, expand and be fruitful indeed. Through this ministry, many souls are being saved, not only Filipinos but other fishermen with different nationalities as well. Pray for the couple’s strength and vigor. Pray for God’s protection to their family and business as well and provision to all their needs.
Since we arrived from the UK, we never stopped praying for all the Filipino fishermen who accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. Let us pray that they may continue to be nurtured and grow spiritually. Let us pray for George Power, the Superintendent of the Fishermen Mission, who like David and Grace, also has a burden for the spiritual growth of the Filipino Fishermen. Let us pray for Dad Davey, Eddie, Alec and James Reid and others who are helping the Strachans in making follow-ups to what God has started with these saved Filipino fishermen.
We thanked Mark and Mary. If they haven’t obeyed the Lord, we will never experience all these things. It is because of their humility and obedience to the Lord why we are also here serving the Lord. They have been always around to give us all the encouragements and support to our children, our family and the ministry. Mark and Mary, you are great!
Scotland indeed is a very beautiful and blessed country. The people are very warm and caring. We will never forget everybody who sacrificed their time and money just to give us the best treat, pleasure and enjoyment in the world.
MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU ALL A HUNDREDFOLDS!
4 comments:
The Cornerstone Churh Naguilian has just begun to do work of the Lord.
You have been so faithful to the Lord and we can see how hard you really work for the people of Naggasican. You deserve the blessings that God is pouring unto you and your family. Keep working for the Lord.
YOU ARE INDEED FOREVER BLESSED AND WILL BE BLESSED BY THE LORD! We're so amazed of what the Lord is doing in your lives as a couple and whole family serving the Lord.
Kakainggit kayo friend...I am so blessed. Thanks for telling me about this blogspot...I enjoy reading all the posts at naiiyak ako dahil ang dami niyong ginagawa para sa Lord...
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