Back from Palanan

We just arrived back from a week in Palanan -- specifically the village of DiBungko -- if you look closely you can see Duane and me sitting in this "waiting shed" with a view of the river valley behind and (about 200 feet) below us. What a view!

I got lots of exercise going up and down the steps cut into the hillside soil! Best of all I was able to experience a bit of what Duane has known in his 10 years of going to this area for outreach. This place is so beautiful, quiet, and inhabited by gentle, happy people.

View of the village of DiBungko

We stayed in the CMU translation house next to this village, where the team will be staying during the discipleship school.

Having lunch with some of the CMU staff after a training session.

Our primary purpose in going to Palanan was for training for small group leaders for the coming discipleship training course in DiBungko. These 3 were former students in CDTS 2007-- a Filipino missionary couple in Palanan and one Agta (indigenious Filipino) young man. Several CMU missionaries also attended at our invitation so they could know the heart of the discipleship training -- they found they learned principles that are practical to many areas of ministry they are already involved in. They really appreciated all we shared and our times together.

During this time we also were able to get a better understanding of what God is putting before us for this discipleship training of 19 youth (16-30 years old) presently in the ISOM (video school of missions training) as well as about 25 CMU missionaries who want the training, too. We had lots of questions before the trip, and most were answered during our time there. We were better able to work out logistic details by just being there and planning together.

Now the challenge is to have wisdom and discernment in being culturally adaptable in the teaching which will be translated into Tagalog (Filipino language).

This next week we will be busy preparing for departing for DiBungko on Sept. 11. The school begins the 16th.

Please pray for --

• good weather for flying into Palanan by small plane -- 5 passengers and pilot
• finances for the school as we are not charging a fee for the school
• wisdom and discernment
• physical health and strength

We appreciate your prayers.

Lois