Hi!

This past month flew by on our end. There have been a lot of changes to the Covid situation in the Philippines, and therefore a lot of adjustment. However, we continue to praise God for the ability to be here and teach at FA.

After a pretty big rise in cases, March 29th started with a lock down called ECQ (enhanced community quarantine). This meant that, among many other restrictions, going to school to work and having tutoring/extracurricular activities with students was no longer an option. This was a big disappointment for both staff, but especially the students who had been taking advantage of the opportunities on campus.

Gathering our things before
campus access closes

April 12th, started MECQ, or Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine. At this point, we're not sure what restrictions are partnered with this, but it is a step that eases restrictions. As we wait, we are praising God that he has taught us the power of waiting in prayer and joy this past year.

Partnered with the increase of cases, is the unsureness of how next school year will be allowed to start. The Admin at FA have been working tirelessly to adjust to the constant changes that come their way. Because FA has such an international community, many of who are currently still out of country, staff is preparing to start next school year online, and is developing a schedule that would allow us (restrictions allowing) to switch to a hybrid or face to face option. It's not the news that staff or students wanted to hear, but we continue to cling to God and pray for the hybrid or face to face opportunity. 

In light of the recent extra quarantine restrictions and how they limit our ability to interact with students in person, Paul's words in Acts 20:24 have been an encouragement to persevere. Paul writes, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." 

In this verse, Paul is leaving Ephesus and boarding a boat to Jerusalem. He knows what will await him there if he's to persevere in his calling. To persevere requires important mindsets that Paul exemplifies in this verse. Firstly, one must be selfless to persevere in ones calling. Paul confesses that his life is not dear to him, that his focus is on what God has called him to, and that he considers those he is called to minister to as more important than himself, which shows faith that God's plan is greater than his own. Secondly, perseverance calls for an absolute resolve. Paul resolves that he will finish his race, and that he will fulfill his calling no matter what. In times that teaching and guiding students is less than ideal, we are encouraged to persevere, imitating Paul, but ultimately Christ, in selflessness and firm resolve. It's our prayer too, that in whatever circumstances you find yourself, you will persevere in Christ.

Faith Academy only has 6 more weeks of school! The time has flown by. With school close to its end, everyone is looking forward to a much deserved summer. Please pray with us and for us, for the opportunity to be able to travel to South Africa to visit family and friends easily and with few setbacks. Summer of 2020 was supposed to be our SA trip to celebrate our wedding with those who weren't able to be there, but with Covid, it wasn't possible. Now, we see an opening and are praying and waiting to see if it is possible.

Praises:

• We reached 91.9% funded for one-time gifts and 75.6% for monthly funding. We praise God for the continued faithfulness and for your partnership!
• The move from ECQ to MECQ

Prayer requests:

• Car Repairs: We are able to do little by little and are seeing progress
• South Africa Travel
• FA Admin as they make very difficult decisions in ever changing situations
• Quarantine measures to ease

Taking in one last view of the city
from school before ECQ starts.