Philippines Update
From Randy Ledbetter & Derek Stinnett

We both had people telling us, "It's like you speak in our own language. We understand everything you guys sing and say." As always, Brother Derek preached his heart out. God used him greatly to reach the Philippine people. We preached and sang at many different churches. It was awesome! Even though they sang the same hymnal songs as we do, the people there sang them with such passion and volume that you understand that they truly believe what they are singing. We also ministered at the Christian School which is a part of the local church in Batangas City. It was the first crusade ever held in that city. We had about 200 saved to the best of our knowledge. Many signed a sheet so the Pastor and his congregation could disciple them and bring them in to the local body.

Brother Ephraim, his wife Joelle, and his two daughters, Melody and Dorcus are a tremendous family for God. They have a great work and a great vision for the lost. The Christian School is an unbelievable tool to teach and educate, and at the same time open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel. We are planning to go back in two year, Lord willing, and hold a three night crusade in a basketball arena that holds about 6,000. Our hearts pick up a beat when we think of what God will do in that crusade, so please keep us in mind and pray,pray,pray!

God helped us to raise the money to go overseas. Brother Derek and I had no way to go without help and finances. I want to thank every church and every person who enabled us to go on this trip of a lifetime. God only knows how grateful and thankful we are to those who helped. Finances and resources are obviously needed on mission trips. I also want to thank those of you who fasted and prayed while we were gone. For your obedience, God poured out His power in a unique way. Derek and I felt covered and protected with God's presence. Upon arrival at the hotel where we stayed, the security personnel met us with flashlights and mirrors looking for explosion devices . . . an unusual encounter.  Derek and I had jet lag and couldn't sleep. We struggled alot with culture shock. Two or three nights into the trip, I still was not sleeping and Derek was getting very little sleep. I was bothered by the lack of rest. The first day we ministered I sat behind Derek on the stage probably half awake.  When we got back to the hotel that night I called home, still a little overwhelmed by the surroundings.  My wife began to tell me about a lady in our church that had been fasting and praying for us and during her prayer time God gave her a vision of Derek and I on stage together, surrounded by angels. Not just any angels, but warrior angels with flaming swords.  I should remind you that nobody at home at this point knew about the services we were in, and in the states when Derek and I are in service together, I usually sit in the crowd while he preaches. This was not the case in the Philippines, I stayed on the stage the entire service.  Anyway, after I heard the story, I related the story to Brother Derek and said, "I think we're going to be alright."  God is faithful and so good.  Wherever you are, He has an angel assigned to you. I thank God for His protection!