Christmas Greetings from the Balikatan President

Landy with wife Annabelle

Dear Balikatan,

Amidst the busyness of the Christmas season, may you find time to share with your loved ones the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.  “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  This ‘everlasting life’ was my hope when I was faced with the prospect of a potentially terminal illness a year ago.  If you have Christ in your heart, it is the best gift that you can share with your family and friends — now and always.

On behalf of the Balikatan Board, thank you for all your prayers and financial support to IVCF Philippines and Balikatan in 2010.  May you and your family have joy and peace in your hearts as you celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Landy Ancheta
President, Balikatan

Nini Ann and Pete Parayno

Pete Parayno writes, “this year is a very special year for Nini Ann and myself because after almost two years of waiting and praying, the Lord has answered our prayers.  The Lord has blessed us with a son whom we adopted from the Philippines.  We have named him Toviel Peter to remind us of Lord’s goodness.  Toviel is a Hebrew name meaning “goodness of God”.  Tovi, who is now 5 years old, is a smart, fun loving boy who loves to sing.  We praise God that he has adjusted quickly and very well to his new environment.”

Dan and Valerie Malabonga with son Julius

Valerie and Dan praise the Lord that Julius has been able to adjust to the demands of big-kid kindergarten and the advanced Abeka curriculum at his Christian school. By God’s grace, he can now read very simple sentences, tell time, and do single-digit addition. Their prayer for him is that he will be able to control his high energy and tendency to play inside the classroom; while appropriately channeling these strengths during play with children outside the classroom setting and sports (he is in a basketball team).

DECEMBER 26 PRAYER DAY

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)”  As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us also praise God for the children and grandchildren of Balikatan and pray that they may grow up in the wisdom of God.  Merry Christmas to all!

Lilia Salazar-Nigro and Valerie Malabonga

on behalf of the Prayer Committee and the Board

Let’s Pray for the Children

Ray and Peachy Nayre

The Nayre kids thank the Lord that it is Christmas break already. They are asking for prayers that their Lola (Ray’s mother) can come home (from the hospital) this Christmas. Ray’s mother had surgery a few weeks ago due to aneurysm but by God’s grace recovered from it and is now undergoing rehab. Also, please pray for Jacob, their oldest son. He will  have his Grade 1 practical piano exam on January 25. Please pray that he will do well. Pray that he’ll be able to memorize his pieces. 

Pastor Mark Buenafe and Norms Esperanzate- Buenafe

Bay Area Balikat (BA Balikat)
Pastor Buenafe writes, “Please pray for our oldest son Marick who is seeking which path God should take his life’s path: to college or perhaps a military academy option.  Also, pray for our youngest son, Mahal, to continue to persevere in his studies in middle school and his commitment in their orchestra.”

Ernie and Vangie Jimenez
Boston

Josie

Praise God for the birth of their granddaughter Josie. Vangie remarks “She is truly a beautiful girl!!!!! Praise God for her life and her lovely smiles! For more information on Josie, please click on the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2poI1AInOY.

Please pray for Elissia their other granddaughter. She is growing and developing well as expected by the grace of God! She is very sweet and very thoughtful! Ernie and Vangie request prayer for her that she will love and trust the Lord wholeheartedly and that she will grow to be a woman after His own heart.

Elissia with mother Jireh