NEWSLETTER

JULY 25, 2007

NEWS FROM MISSIONARY DALE MUELLER

International Christian Mission             Faith, Hope and Love Christian Church

P.O. Box 1328                                       Raja Tupas St., Daanghari

Havre, MT 59501                                  Navotas, MM  1485

U.S.A                                                    Philippines

406-265-7337                                      011-63-2-283-8079

Navotas, Metro Manila, Philippines

July 26, 2007

Dear Friends,

The MONSOON RAINS, that usually dominate our weather in June and July, have not developed this year.  Even though we have avoided the misery and devastation of floods that the heavy rains bring, we are now facing a severe DROUGHT for the farmers, a WATER SHORTAGE for the city, and regular POWER OUTAGES due to generation shortfall from hydroelectric dams.

Ironically, I will be in the many of the flooded areas of CHINA in the coming two weeks, July 31 to August 14.  I will meet a group from Valley Christian Church, Billings, Montana in Bejing on August 1.  Much of our itinerary is scheduled along the Yangtze River from Chongquing to Wuhan, the area most affected by the past two months of heavy rains.  I am so thankful for Valley Christian providing me for this opportunity to reach into new areas of China. 

Last week I was in the Bicol area (Southeastern Luzon) where we have three main churches and many outreaches.  Here is a brief update on each of these churches:

Ø      RAGAY:  The church here is doing great under the new leadership of Pastor Romy Villariz.  The Sunday service is averaging 50-60 with dozens more involved in Home Cell Group meetings.  We will be saving to buy additional chairs and improved sound equipment in the coming months.

Ø      SAN JOSE (GOA):  Things are going well with the church, but we are delaying the start of our CHURCH BUILDING PROJECT because of the current LOW EXCHANGE RATE for dollars.  The current exchange rate from dollars to Philippine pesos is about 20% below last year, and it is having a damping impact on all our projects, but especially this building project because of amounts involved.  We praise God for the relief that Moses Lake Christian Church gave us for our routine monthly budget.

Ø      CARAMOAN:  The church here continues to grow and the leaders continue to tirelessly reach out to surrounding mountain villages and islands, all without a pastor for the last 5 years.  During my visit we did entertain a pastoral candidate named Jimmy, who only recently graduated from Bible School.  Please pray for wisdom and unity in transition, as we consider Jimmy for the position. 

 Our STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM is off to a good start.  Even though we had to minimize the number, I am so very pleased with the performance of those we do support, and I fully anticipate that we will be able to support more in the future.  Please check our website for some pictures ( www.icm-phil.net).  Currently, we are supporting:

Ø      NAVOTAS: 11 high school students.  In addition to their school work, all of them now have ministry assignments in the church, especially in children’s ministry.  We also give an allowance to one college student who is a regular part of our music ministry.

Ø      MALABON: 3 children of the pastor.  There is a special burden here because Pastor Romy is the one overseeing the renewal of the ministry in Ragay.

Ø      RAGAY:  1 high school student and 1 vocational, both involved in music ministry in the church.

Ø      CARAMOAN:  4 high school students, all involved in music and children’s ministry at the church.  1 Bible School student from here is also studying in Manila, through the special help of friends in Montana. 

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY for all our churches and ministries, and for my strength as I prepare for two weeks in China.  Also pray for rain for Luzon Island in the Philippines, as well as an improved exchange rate or additional funding to cover our upcoming activities.   As always your involvement in our ministry, through prayer, finances and encouragement, are what makes it possible for me to continue pressing on for the Lord here in Asia.  God bless you all.

In Christ,

Dale