CHI to MNL

 

    Manila...here we come! 

    Faith Academy told us on Sunday September, 27th that we may be able to get in country after the October break and that tickets can be purchased! Our tickets are purchased, and we are scheduled to leave from Chicago in October. God has provided so much in this time of waiting, or what we call 'limbo'. Although tickets are bought, there are still a lot of 'ifs'. The Department of Education and Department of Foreign Affairs need to endorse all new staff in order to be allowed into the country. 

    A lot depends on being able to leave the US before November 18th, as Egbert's visa for stay expires then. We can apply for an extension, but with leaving the country in October, there is no need. If we cannot leave before November 18th, we will technically be late in applying for the visa extension, although we will have proof we had intended to leave before the expiry, which we hope will help. 

    We ask for your prayer in this time, as we move forward in faith that we will be able to travel as scheduled and all will go according to God's will. 

    Faith Academy has been such a support for the students and staff during this time of adjustment. They continue to pursue the will of God in education, support, and encouragement. 

    In the meantime, we have been taking full advantage of the nice fall weather. Alyson has the opportunity to work in admissions at Ramseyer Farms during the day. We were able to spend an afternoon exploring the farm and taking a break from grading to do the tractor pull, play pumpkin checkers, get lost in a corn maze, slingshot potatoes, and enjoy apple cider slushies. God has shown the beauty in every season and every season of life. Having the opportunity to work during the day next to Christ centered colleagues and business owners and come home to work with Christ centered educators has been such a blessing and encouragement. We are both grateful for all that God has provided!

Life Update

    Through partnership, we are 61% supported for the year. We are praying to be fully funded by the end of November, and trust that God will provide. If you feel led to partner with our ministry in the Philippines, please let us know, and we will connect with you. Partnership is a two way street: we care  deeply for our partners, connect with them continually,  and pray for them!

What are we waiting for?

The COVID pandemic has caused a lot of disruptions in international travel, and therefore the Philippines' borders are still closed to outsiders. Due to current restrictions Faith's students are not yet allowed back on campus, so many of them experience isolation and the emotions that come with it. However, the COVID pandemic will not disrupt God's plan to start ministering to students. Faith Academy is preparing to be able to fully reach students online, not only to provide for students' academic needs but also their spiritual needs. It is still our hope to be in the Philippines before school starts, but whether we're there or still in the US, classes will start on August 24th. To God be the glory.

One opportunity that our extended stay in the US has afforded us is the ability to fundraise and meet supporters in person. God has been so good over the past month as we have met with people and organizations and sent out support letters. He has really shown us that He provides for His children, and we are so grateful for what He has already supplied through the generosity of so many partners and what He will still provide through many more. Through the pledges of many generous partners we have reached 38% of our monthly support-raising goal. God is doing amazing things in this ministry in Manila, and if you are interested in partnering in prayer or giving, click on the icons to the right for more information or reach out to us via email at egbert.alyson.botha@gmail.com.

Another opportunity that our long 'visit' here in the States afforded us is the blessing of being able to spend quality time with loved ones. Having lived abroad for a number of years and knowing that we are off again to a distant land, we treasure every moment we get to spend with those we love. We have the ability to be a part of events that we were mentally prepared to not be able to do. We are able to help Liam, Alyson's brother, move into university, see her sister, Madison, graduate university, go on a road trip to see friends far away, and have family dinners around the table. In the midst of the craziness, God has provided much precious time with the ones we love.

We can't wait to send you an update from the Philippines! In the meantime, will you pray with us for the following things:
1.  For the Philippines' borders to open soon.
2. That God brings in our monthly partnership by the time school starts.
3. For our students to feel supported and loved despite being physically apart.

Support The Bothas’ Mission to the Philippines

Dear Family and Friends,

Please take some time to read this post in which we would like to share more about the calling we have received.

Starting August 1st, (depending on border openings) we will begin our journey working in Manila, Philippines at Faith Academy.

About Faith Academy

Faith Academy is an International Christian school, offering K-12 education for missionary, national, and international students. Faith utilizes a globally-recognized curriculum, and provides a progressive, well-rounded education. Faith Academy teachers and students represent more than 20 nationalities. The great majority of Faith staff are missionaries who have a love for students and a strong desire to serve the Lord through education. The majority of Faith’s graduates go on to higher education at colleges and universities around the globe. Faith Academy is located approximately 14 miles (22 km) from downtown Manila, in the Antipolo/Cainta area. If you want to find out more about Faith Academy and the Faith community, visit https://faith.edu.ph/.

Vision and Mission
Our vision and mission lines up with what Faith seeks and strives for everyday.

• Vision: To see God’s Kingdom and the Great Commission advanced through transformative, Christ-centered education.
• Mission: Forming Christlike, lifelong learners through a dynamic, relevant education, especially for the children of missionaries.

Our Roles at Faith Academy

Egbert accepted the position of 9th and 10th grade literature teacher. He seeks to minister to the students in the classroom by presenting and discussing literary topics from a Biblical worldview, and building relationships with students to open up opportunities to minister to students beyond the classroom. Alyson is taking on the role of Guidance Counselor with the goal of guiding students through the college preparation and search, as well as helping them prepare to integrate into the societies they will be living. Through this she hopes to build relationships with students that will open doors to share the love of Christ.

We are very excited for this next step in our walk with Christ to serve our future students, families, and community. This is a transition that we prayed for as we were preparing to leave Suriname and continue God’s calling in the Philippines. We write this letter to ask you to partner with us on our quest.

There are two ways in which you can partner with us:

Prayer

We would really appreciate your prayers. We believe in the power of prayer, and what we are striving to do would not be possible without it. We will be sending out a newsletter with updates once every two months. Please send a quick email to egbert.alyson.botha@gmail.com if you would like to be added to our mailing list. 

Finances

Ministering in the Philippines would not be possible without your financial support. Our positions are fully support raising, meaning we do not receive a salary. Our monthly goal is to raise $3,500. In order to support us financially you could do so through one-time deposits via card or check, monthly donations via recurring EFTs, or monthly donations via recurring credit card transactions. Furthermore, you can financially support us through your bank’s automatic billpay or PayPal. Follow this link http://interlinkministries.org/make-donation to donate using any of the above-mentioned payment methods.*

With love and eagerness to serve,

Egbert and Alyson

*All donations are tax deductible in the U.S.A.

**Please be sure to clarify that any donation made is for Egbert and Alyson Botha