Welcome 2009!

Greetings from the tropics! I pray you are all well. I find myself writing to you at our house in Cebu the night of January 1, 2009. Happy New Year! I wonder what joys await us in the not so distant future.

So much has happened since I last wrote. Session 5 & 6 went well and we had plenty of students to keep us busy. During Session 6 I taught two classes; Jesus: Lord of Our Lives (which is our course that goes over the Scheme of Redemption) and Major Religions of the World – 1 (which studies 5 of the world’s major religions and looks at their teachings, practices, etc.). When Jesus: Lord of Our Lives started, I had 8 students! However some students fell away because of family problems, travelling, and other problems, so only two ended up graduating. Jovel Contratista and Hope de los Angeles finished the course and did very well. At the end of the course, they both decided to be immersed, along with Hope’s older sister Trisha! Trisha had taken the course before, but never had been immersed. She decided to sit-in our last class meeting (which is a review). I asked her why she had never been immersed and she told me it was because she had been scared of the HUGE commitment she was making. All three of these young people felt this way. It is refreshing to see how serious they took it. It feels good to know that the Lord had been able to use me in the lives of these three young people.

We celebrated Thanksgiving (untraditionally on the November 29) with some fellow missionaries and some friends here in Cebu. We had turkey, stuffing, pie (thankfully some pumpkin) and fun! Christmas and New Years were just as much fun. We’ve had Jon & Gina and Rachael & Clint here with us for a few days (mostly to get away from all the fireworks from New Years) and have all been having a blast. Though it feels weird to be away from the BSC, it is a joy to have a break!

During November, I finally took the initiative to enroll in driving lessons. Amy and I took them together. We have since completed them and are both now driving well. We now drive pretty regularly, much to the distress of my mother :). She says that she trusts us, but not the other drivers. Hehe :) I had an AWFUL time getting my license, though. I went to the LTO (Land Transportation Office, the equivalent of the Department of Public Safety) the day after I finished my lessons. I was made to understand beforehand that all that was necessary was for me to take an examination and then I would pay my fees and have my license. NO. It was a complicated process that took me all day and made me want to break down and cry afterwards. Nevertheless, I am a licensed driver in the Philippines and have driven the car without my parents once. I think that’s a fine accomplishment. Next step, U.S. Driver’s license! Watch out, here we come! :)

All our family is well. There are a few bugs going around, not to mention pregnant women! Ok, only two :). Rachael and Gina have been doing well. Rachael is about ready to pop and Gina is starting to show (she and Jon are so excited!). We had a baby shower for Rachael and Clint on December 6th and a lot of fun. Everyone is excited to meet Andrew. Rachael finally got off bedrest about two weeks ago and has had few problems with contractions since. Please keep all of us and our health in your prayers.

I have been working on translating passages we use in our studies for our online school Clint has been setting up. Because of the problems that translations have, we think it would be easier to use verses translated by us. I have been having fun with that. Once we get the courses all uploaded we will send you a link so you can see what our courses are all about :).

Our Friday night youth fellowship at the BSC has been going very well. We have about 8 regular attendees. Our activities vary. Some nights we just play games, some we have a talk, and we’ve even watched a DVD series of the book of Matthew Clint has. As it progresses, the goal of the fellowship is being accomplished, for our youth to become closer. Please pray for this effort.

We have almost finished getting our tickets for our furlough this year. We will be leaving the Philippines Lordwilling March 13th and returning June 16th. We are excited and looking forward to seeing everyone! These last two years have been wonderful for me! I have learned so much and been able to study with many people. During this furlough, my sister Amy and I will be raising a large amount of support. We will, Lordwilling, be moving out and sharing an apartment near the Bible Study Center, thus we need funds for rent, food, etc. Please be praying for this tough time ahead of us. If you or someone you know might be interested to help, please let us know. Any bit would be wonderful!

We are now preparing for Session 1 of 2009! Imagine that! As I sit reflecting on the year 2008, I think about all the Lord has done and how blessed I am to be a part of his work. I am also blessed to know each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of my life! May the Lord bless us all in this New Year 2009!

Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

In him,
Sara Murrell