CURRENT EVENTS

Last September, David, Joel Talaver and Phebe del Rosario made a trip to Oroquieta City on Mindanao. It was for the purpose of assessing the needs of the congregation and spending time with the brethren. Many months prior to this trip we were invited to come and bring our CNM (Church Nurturing Ministry) group there. Due to time and money constraints only the three of us went. It was apparent that there is a need for help in the congregation. Our plan, Lord Willing, is to take the group there sometime early next year and conduct some workshops that might aid the church in its growth. They are requesting for a full time preacher but that is something we cannot provide them with.

This past October, Karen and David went to Manila to assist in the 8^th Practical Christianity in Action Seminar. David spoke about Fathers and their relationships with their children. Karen spoke about the importance of teaching our children and conducted a workshop on how to prepare and use visual aids. During this weekend our CNM group was invited to go to an area north of Manila about 6 hours. They are asking us to go there during summer time next year (March - May) and conduct a week long VBS, Teacher Training for Teaching Children Workshop, Worship and Singing Workshop and teach classes to the adults.

The first weekend of November, Karen, Dolly Belo and Phebe del Rosario went to Davao and conducted a one day Teacher's Training Workshop. There were about 50 women in attendance, some of whom traveled by bus around 3-4 hours to be there. Karen says it went great but time was too short. That was Karen's first trip back to Davao since we left there last 2001. She had a great time seeing a lot of friends and loved ones.

More and more congregations are hearing about CNM and it is getting difficult to schedule all of the trips. Between now and May next year we are attempting to plan trips to:

Alabang, Manila
Oroquieta City, Mindanao
Camiguin Island, Mindanao
Kalag Kalag, Negros
San Jose, Nueva Ecija, Luzon

We have also been invited to conduct a workshop in Baguio next year but no set schedule yet. We also have plans to go to Siquijor Island sometime this next year. All of that along with our planned furlough in May will keep us busy.
Along with the training of Christians in the various congregations that we visit, there is also a great need for resources (teaching materials, visual aids, song books…). So we are trying to create, refine and complete as much as we can that we are then able to leave behind at the congregations we visit. It is a great challenge because we have to take what we have here, adapt it to Filipino culture (hopefully, some day have it fully translated into the local dialect, depending on where we go {there are over 100 dialects in the Philippines}), and then reproduce it in a great enough quantity that we can leave some behind at every congregation we go to. Our goal is not to just hand out freebies but rather to train members how to use what we leave behind and also how to make their own. It is our purpose to encourage the Filipino to see that they don't need an American to do it. That is also why we work with a team of Filipinos so that Karen and I can stay out of the center of attention as much as is possible. The more they see other Filipinos up using materials and teaching, the more confident they can feel about doing it themselves. At least that is our desire.

Friday, November 21, the Ladies from Downtown had a tropical pajama sleepover at the Peyton home. From the decorations to the food, the tropics were in the air. The evening was filled with food, Bible games, time of sharing by Genell Maxwell (Karen's mom) on the work the ladies do in Borger, Texas, and then movie time. The night ended at 1:45 a.m. Saturday morning started early with breakfast and then clean-up. It was a great time of fun and fellowship.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Karen's parents arrived on November 19 and will be with us until December 18. The grandchildren are sure enjoying having Papaw and Memaw here with them. Of course, David and Karen are, too.
Phillip continues to love school and lately his main word in every sentence is "WHY?" We have to change the subject in order for him to stop asking why about everything. Phillip is so meticulous in different activities that he does. His teacher said he is very picky when it comes to gluing. He loves being the leader at school and being with his classmates.

Jacob is working hard in school and doing well. It is a challenge for Karen to find things to keep him challenged. He is usually the first to finish his work and always wants to know what he can do next. It is a joy to work with him in the classroom.

Somare was the helper in the children's classroom this past Sunday. She helped the substitute teacher sing songs with the younger children. She did a great job from what we were told. Somare has such a willing spirit to help in whatever way is needed. Somare's other activities continue to be ballet and karate.

That is about it for now. We wish you all a happy and safe Holiday season!

Love,
The Peyton Family