I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only
Ones among you will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.
-Albert Schweitzer
-Albert Schweitzer
Good Morning,
Seeing things through the eyes of others is always an interesting thing. In July, Sharron and I had family from the mainland visiting us. As we traveled around the Island, we would hear comments from them about the beauty of the land or about the crashing waves of the Pacific. They would marvel at things that (unfortunately) we have begun to take for granted. These moments would make Sharron and I step back and realize how special this place is…which always turned our thankfulness toward God and the people we have the joy of working with.
Another example of seeing things through the eyes of others was on our recent trip to Micronesia. David Arita (Advisory Board Chairman), Commissioner Joe Noland and Brian Jahnke (manager of the Waioli Tea Room) joined us for the trip. Throughout the trip they would notice things that Sharron and I (once again) would overlook. Things would make impressions on them that would carry the dinner conversation on for hours (that and extremely slow service). Our guests were impressed by the humbling work of our officers, who serve in very difficult circumstances, however, continue to have thankful hearts. The experience made me even more thankful for the needed work done by The Salvation Army throughout the Marshall Islands and Micronesia.
Our people in the Marshall Islands are experiencing some very difficult conditions. I will share a few of these concerns, asking you to pray for our co-workers.
For the last month the Coopers been very busy trying to send needed items to the outer islands, however, the planes have broken down and no ships are being sent out. Gas on Majuro is $4.25 a gallon, and $7.50 on Jaluit. To complicate the issue more, the gas station has been closed for the last 2 weeks. According to Marty, “Everyday we run around trying to help our officers, but there are problems upon problems.” Ebeye has run out of water. Jabor has very little food left on the island and their water tank is full of a fungus. They have been trying to send a new tank and food; however, no boats are going out. The Coopers ask that each of you pray for basic transportation needs and for the price of fuel to come down. According to Marty, “Life is already hard enough here for our people.”
It was a joy to see our friends on Pohnpei, Chuuk and Guam. Each place has opportunities of their own to meet basic life-needs of people. Chuuk continues to try and locate some property where we can build a building. They are currently holding services in the home of A/Captain Hermes and Rufina Otis, where I had the joy of sharing with the corps people on Friday evening. As I was speaking, I noticed a sign on the wall of their house that read, “No Minors.” It struck me that their home is a former bar. Is there a better use for a former bar than a place of hope and joy? Do not get me going there, you would be in store for a full sermon.
Our trip ended with a visit to Saipan. We thank God for Wayne and Annie Gillespie who are working hard to begin The Salvation Army’s work on that island. The depressed economy is evident as we drove around the island. Building after building is boarded up. I walked into a store and was shocked at the prices of food. A gallon of orange juice was $13. Annie said she did not remember the last time she saw fresh milk. In talking with Wayne and Annie, there is a serious problem with Human Trafficking, which The Salvation Army is already at work meeting the needs of people. Please pray for Wayne and Annie as they work with Major Brian Saunders to open an outpost on Saipan by the end of the year.
On Sunday, Sharron and I attended three services at the Leeward Corps (Sunday Morning, the Chuukese Outpost, and the Upper Room). The spirit in each service blessed us. It was great to see so many new people in attendance. Major Phil and Captain Debbie Lum, after only a month here, are doing a wonderful job of reaching out to touch lives and build bridges into the community.
Please continue to pray for the father of Major Leticia Saunders, who is recovering from surgery. Also, we were saddened to learn of the death of the 1-month old grandchild of Lieutenants Benji and Rosebee Rakin. May the God of peace comfort those who experience loss.
Blessings,
d
