O'Connor e-mail

Missionary Bonnie O’Connor

Weekly E-mail Updates

October 31, 2007

SORRY I missed my report last week.

Thank God with us for:

>Strength for the daily work and unexpected extra travel and ministries

>Visit to the wife of one of our first believers in Naga City 19 years ago. His death last week was at a hospital in Manila and we got to spend time with the family at the viewing.It was a time of rejoicing as the wife told how peaceful his death was and how she had come to know the Lord seven years ago through her husband's testimony.

>Arrival of 25 Balikbayan boxes of VBS and SS material from GLS in Chicago. EXTRA strength to sort though these and divide them up into smaller boxes for pick-up by the churches. We finished re-packing 60 boxes around 9:00 P.M. last night.

>the Lord's continued working in the struggling church we are helping every week-end - including Sunday School teacher training every Sunday P.M.

>And finally got a real day-off on Monday in the cool mountain air of Tagaytay

>My Bro-in-law's chemo treatments are going well

PRAY for :

>My younger brother,Dennis, discovered a tumor near, and maybe around the vertabraes in his neck. MRI ,etc have not found tumors anywhere else. His trip to Phila specialists this week hopefully will confirm that this is not malignant and can give him treatment for it.

>God's provision of a strong,mature pastor for that struggling church and wisdom for us as we try to help them get back on the right track.

> Jean seems better,but I want to get a second opinion next week with a different EENT Dr.

October 17, 2007

THANK GOD for answering ours and your prayers:

> Money arrived in time for Bicol trip expenses

>Safety and strength in driving the eight hours each way( a major truck by-pass was closed, so we had to crawl behind the trucks over very curvy roads for two hours)

>God's blessing on the Bible messages given by Pastor Rudy. Many expressions of how helpful these were.

>good attendance and interest in the training seminars.

>Added joy of Jean and Ptr. Rudy being able to advise and encourage the young pastor and wife at the host church

Today-Wednesday Philippine time- ARC staff had planning meeting for preparing the ARC calendar activities for 2008.

PRAY as we continue contacting people and settling dates in time to get a printed schedule out to pastors and churches by this November.

>Also for Jean's follow-up visit to an EENT doctor tomorrow

>For us as we continue to consult and prepare for continuing the ARC Advanced Studies Program

>Wisdom as we continue helping a very needy church

October 10, 2007

Please pray:

:preparations still to be finished before the 8 hour drive to the Bicol outreach ministry this Friday a.m. - traveling back Monday Pastor Rody giving messages on The Church; Jean Sunday School Teacher training, Bonnie- How to Study the Bible lessons

:God's working and blessing on this ministry -3 or 4 churches involved.

:strength and safety for the trip

:ministry funds reimbursement will come in from Harrisburg tomorrow to pay for the trips expenses

:Bro-in-law Ike Bailey- cancer has returned and back to chem treatments

October 3, 2007

Sorry I did not get an update sent out last Wednesday. We arrived home late afternoon after driving home from the retreat through a bad storm.

THANK GOD with us for:

>His blessing at the Seventh Annual ARC Retreat last Sept.24-26--Numbers were down this year but it may have been the best retreat so far. Many heart needs were met as the Word was given and much time spent crying and praying together. It was a joy to be able to especially help one hurting pastor and wife.

>The privilege of having the ARC facilities used for a Manila Baptist Church staff conference on Sept.28 evening through 29 after lunch. 30 in attendance with two of our "dorm" rooms filled overnight. Then again on the evening of the 29th for an extended prayer meeting and early morning worship service with the small church we've been seeking to help. They used 3 of the "dorm" rooms.

>Strength for all involved in these activities.

PRAY with us for:

>Jean's health as she has developed a really bad cold

>Trying to catch up on office work and correspondence

>Preparations for out annual outreach to the Bicol churches Oct.12-14. this is an eight hour drive one way. I think I can still do it! Pastor Rudy will give Bible messages, Jean will teach Christian Ed.-SS training,I will facilitate a video series on either Israel or How to study the Bible.

> God's continued direction as we move ahead in the training ministry of the ARC

September 19, 2007

GIVE THANKS for ;

-three days rest for Bonnie and Jean up in Baguio city

-strength and wisdom in helping a struggling church near here every weekend-last weekend involved SS ,worship and prayer meeting plus a long business meeting to try to give some guidance.

-excellent Consultation meeting with key pastors with confirmation and preparation to continue the ARC-ASP (Alabang Resource Center-Advanced Studies Program)

-Quarterly ARC board meeting

PRAY ON FOR:

-Continued strength and grace for the following activities:

- Sept 23 at the same church with SS teacher training starting in the PM for five-six weeks.

-Sept 24-26 Annual ARC Retreat at a resort south of Manila with Dr. Kent Pool as speaker. Pray for good attendance and cooperative weather.

-Sept 28-29 A group from Manila Baptist church using the ARC facilities overnight til noon for a church conference

September 3, 2007

It's early Monday morning here- we put Dr.Milo and Bev Thompson on a taxi for the airport at 4 a.m. in order to be on time to check in for the flight at 8:05.

Thank God for their very fruitful ministry here- not only at the ARC but at two local churches and with a seminary board. (this last at the request of one of our ARC pastor students.)

ARC-ASP (Alabang Resource Center- Advanced Studies Program) We are full of joy for the eight pastors who studied faithfully for five days morning and afternoon in the two subjects on Biblical Leadership taught by Dr. Thompson. These classes were on a Masteral level and have continuing reading and project assignments which the men need to submit by December 1st. PRAY for them as they seek to faithfully finish this work and implement it in their ministries.

Jean and I will be packing a bag this morning and take the noon bus (new and deluxe, we are told!) up to Baguio City in the northern mountains for a few days rest. Pray that we'll be able to really relax and be ready for the busy schedule ahead during the rest of this month.

Thanks so much for standing with us in prayer.

August 29, 2007

Just a note To give THANKS to God for His faithful working and to You for your faithful prayers:

>The repair and painting of the leaking firewall was finished Friday morning- everything back in the wardrobes, cabinets and cupboards AND all cleaning finished by 7:00 P.M..

>Dr. Milo and Bev Thompson arrived safely at the airport where we picked them up and had them home here by midnight Friday also.

>Eight men are studying both courses on Biblical Leadership with Dr. Thompson and showing much enthusiasm and desire to put it into practice in their ministry. Two more full days of classes -then we hope to get a break with the Thompsons on Saturday to show them a bit of the countryside.

>Dr. Milo will minister in a Manila church on Sunday and they will leave for the U.S. on Monday

>Jean and I may then take off for a vacation.

August 22, 2007

CLASSES FOR THE ARC ADVANCED STUDIES PROGRAM - AUGUST 27-31 WITH Dr. Milo Thompson - 2 courses on Biblical Leadership - 8 men so far committed to take the courses- we are praying for a dozen.PRAY WITH US FOR THIS. Those from a distance will be using the dorm rooms here.

Dr. and Mrs. Thompson will arrive here late night of the 24th. PRAY FOR THEIR SAFE TRAVEL AND SPEEDY RECOVERY FROM JETLAG.

>REPAIR OF LEAKING SIDE WALL- Still not getting permission from neighbors to put scaffolding on their property to seal the cracks and waterproof-paint, our caretaker, Ramon and house painter ,Jeff, have slung a platform by ropes over the roof's edge and are doing the work from there. PRAY FOR THEIR SAFETY AND STRENGTH- it is hard work and a bit dangerous due to the height. PRAY FOR CONTINUED GOOD WEATHER so that this can be completed by Friday.

>JEAN'S AND MY HEALTH-We both have head colds and cough- very tired and still much to do before the Thompson's arrive. Then all involved in running the classes smoothly will take lots of strength.

>MY MOM- has indeed been removed from her home and moved from one sibling to another almost daily, sleeping in a different bed almost nightly- very tired, weak and confused--BUT she DOES know what is going on and just continues to be her dear submissive self. PRAY FOR HER and me too.

August 1, 2007

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING:

THANK GOD FOR WORKING:

>Monday's consultation meeting with key pastors was greatly encouraging as we discussed continuation of the ARC's Advanced Studies Program along with all other activities involved in the ARC ministries

>strength and much help from Pastor Rudy in getting through the long hours of discussion at this consultation

>have had one good rain and a wee bit cooler nights

PRAY:

That committment expressed at the consultation will be put into action by these men

That those men and some others of God's choosing will attend Dr. Thompson's classes August 27-31 on BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP

That Jean and I will somehow be able to squeeze in a break before these classes.We are very tired

My Mom: I gather she has been taken back to my sister's and that her trailer home will be removed while she will continue to be taken day-to-day to one or another of my siblings homes .

July 25, 2007

Thanks to God for :

:Strength and help for daily work and ministry in the unusually hot July weather

: Good meeting at a local church last Sunday with Pastor Rudy preaching and Bonnie presenting the ARC Ministry in view of challenging the church to support the ARC ministry regularly.

Please pray for:

: Jean and Family as they lost a 52 year old uncle,brother of Jean's Dad, from a cardiac arrest last week.

:Meeting at the ARC with 10-12 concerned pastors for consultation on future direction of the ARC ministry -evaluation and planning for the remainder of 2007 (including Dr. Milo Thompson's classes in August) and then into 2008 and further.

:Wisdom for Jean and I as we are asked to give advice,counsel to members of two churches struggling with leadership problems.

:much needed rain

THANKS SO MUCH FOR LABORING WITH US IN PRAYER.

July 18, 2007

Praise God for last weeks advance studies classes with eight men attending both subjects.

- pray they will follow through with assignments and especially that the things learned will be translated into their ministry.

Thank God for safety in travel as we drove our instructor to various other Manila appointments.

Thanks too for strength for all the work involved in making the classes happen.

Pray That Jean and I will be able to get settled down to neglected office and library work and then be able to get a few days break before the end of this month.

Pray for my mother as she has been back and forth to the doctors with fluid problems. She is in her own bed every night but almost daily taken to one or other of the siblings. Talking with her weekly by phone, i can hear her growing weaker and more confused. I long to be able to be home and able to care for her.

Pray for the future of the ARC-- needs for financial support from Filipino churches and for God to raise of a man of his choice to take over the directorship of the ARC.

July 4, 2007

A few weeks have passed I think without much communication from me.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer as God surely knows our needs and all that we are thankful for:

We ARE thankful for:

: Obtaining good help to do much needed repairs on the property here. An older man who worked well without causing a lot of expense and a younger man,Ramon who was former caretaker here for 10 years before we bought the place. Ramon is staying on and taking a BIG load off my shoulders.

: Finished repair of the ARC kitchen roof which has caused leaking problems since we moved here, also the ladies toilet (which has never worked) including putting in a new septic tank.

: Strength given to me to oversee the repairs including buying all the supplies needed

PRAY on for:

: Pastor Steve Holman- former missionary here, pastoring in Michigan will arrive with his daughter Julie this Fri. night. Steve will teach two classes of advanced studies for pastors and Christian workers next week, July 10-13

PRAY that God will bring the men and women HE wants to be here. A pastor's conference has recently been scheduled by another group within the fellowship which makes for conflict in schedules.

: Orientation of Ramon for his regular work schedule

: Rain proofing Repairs still needed on main building wall- cracks to be filled and wall painted.We are waiting for neighbors to return from the U.S. to give permission for us to get on their land and do this work -the wall is right on the property line.

:Continued strength and good health for us as we have a heavy two weeks ahead.

June 6, 2007

Praise:

ALL WENT WELL at:

:The ARC staff planning meeting last Friday, June 1 with new staff member,Pastor Rudy deJesus

;The ARC Prayer Day on Monday June 4

: The ARC Board meeting on June 4 P.M.

We are now back on a more steady schedule with the re-opening of the ARC library after summer--after the pressure of getting everything in place for this.

PRAY:

we need to finish packing books,typing a Library system and send these as a follow-up of our promise to the El Nido pastors.

Needed minor repairs will be done this week month under supervision of our male board members.

May 30, 2007

I think I have not sent any items for three weeks now. I know it is a neglect, but we appreciate your standing with us in prayer during this time.

APRIL AND MAY BEING PHILIPPINE SUMMER - NO SCHOOL AND TIME OF VBS AND CAMPS , WE HAVE THE ARC CLOSED. YOU ARE ALREADY AWARE OF OUR ANNUAL APRIL OUTREACH TO EL NIDO,PALAWAN ,THIS YEAR INVOLVING A YOUTH CAMP AS WELL AS THE ANNUAL PASTORS CONFERENCE.

This year there has been (and still is) a wide range of physical work needing to be done in maintaining the property and caring for shipments arriving, being sorted and forwarded to various parts of the Philippines.

We are THANKFUL to GOD for giving strength and wisdom in caring for many of these matters in what has been an extra hot dry summer.

:Shipments involved : 6 balik-bayan boxes of personal items,books and clothing for typhoon victims, 6 balik-bayan boxes of S.S. materials from GLS- all delivered to our door. 10 filing cabinets,five boxes of files,5 boxes of books picked up by truck and my car at the warehouse after being 2 1/2 years on the way. All of these except the last 2 boxes of S.S. materials have been sorted.The filing cabinets are in place inside the ARC with the files back in order.

:God's Provision of a lady to help in cleaning- and onging work of a young man welding a security fencing on the side wall.

;Some break ,away from the work here, with 1 1/2 days at Jean's home in Palawan on our way home from El Nido; 2 days at a beach resort and mountain inn.

;Three days with much needed rain and cooling off of the nights

Please Pray FOR:

:ARC staff planning meeting June 1 (involves revisions and additions to the 2007-2008 schedule of seminars,advanced study classes and outreaches)

:Reopening of the ARC with The Annual Prayer Day on Monday ,June 4th.9 A.M-lunch.

:ARC quarterly Board meeting- June 4th at 2:00 P.M.

:Preparations for these meeting including much work at the computer as well as cleaning and setting up the meeting places.

:That Pastors will make more use of the Library Resources. We'll be open Mondays-Fridays as before.

:Provision of carpenter for needed roof repair,etc. before the rains increase.

:shipping books and S.S. materials plus delivery of typhoon victims goods to the Bicol area. Jean and I had hoped to deliver these things personally to Bicol but may not have time now.

: Health and strength for Jean and myself