Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Prayer Update

Thought this might be a good time for an update. Debbie would write also, but she's down with an intestinal virus. We thought it might be an amoeba, visited the doctor, had tests which came back negative. The boys had the flu last week, so we're trying to outlast the various bugs that pester us. So far I am unscathed, although (knock on wood) we know how that can change. The attempted coup last week, and subsequent state of emergency have been interesting. Here in Baguio, 6-8 hours from Manila life goes on pretty much as normal. Coup attempts seem to be a national pastime, maybe 12 in the last 10 years.

We've enjoyed a great time of ministry since returning. Debbie's counseling class has been wonderful– there are such needs to strengthen families here in Asia. I've had lots of opportunities to preach which I enjoy, and we are excited about the 5-6 doctoral students walking the stage in March. We (Deb and I) have established the "International Ministries, ABC, Award" that recognizes the doctoral graduate with the best dissertation. Besides receiving the award is $100 – not bad around here.

Please pray also,
1. For Ben and Chris's continued adjustment. They are doing well at Brent, but still miss the States, especially the support of a church youth group, and their schools. Although Brent was begun as an American school 98 years ago, it is today more a hybrid of British, Filipino, and American systems. Also presently, Ben and Chris are the only American, although there are some mixed couples – Filipina plus British, Dutch, etc.

2. For good health. It's hard to keep up the pace when you don't feel well.

3. Along with this, energy to finish the term. Graduation is next Friday, March 10.

4. For Clinical Pastoral Education this summer. (The Philippines summer is March, April, May). Debbie and a colleague will supervise the largest batch ever, fourteen students, as they minister in local hospitals.

5. For Flint and several writing projects. In particular the Asia Baptist Graduate Theological Seminary trustees have asked him and a colleague to rewrite the outdated Research and Design Manual that is used in the 8 ABGTS branches throughout Asia. Our target is to complete the task by October. This manual is strategic because it guides grad students through their prospectus and dissertation writing projects. These projects are the most important parts of the doctoral program.

6. For continued safety. The Philippines is a great place to live and serve, but still the roads can be harrowing at times, as well as the heightened threat of terrorism.

Many, many thanks for praying.

# # #

-----Original Message-----
From: Flint J Miller
Sent: Apr 17, 2006 6:55 AM
Subject: Ben's itchy adventure

Hi there all!

Just an update on Ben.The last few days have been interesting as Ben has spent them in the hospital.Last Thursday Ben and Chris were playing outside when they started to itch.I mean really, really itch.At first it wasn't so bad for Ben, but Chris had to take a shower with oatmeal soap and take Benadryl for the allergic reaction.This time of year especially the itchy worms can leave their highly irritating hairs all over everything, especially pine needles.The itch hit Ben later that night as he slept.His scalp and neck began to itch.Then on Friday things steadily worsened.After the Good Friday service, he had developed large welts on his legs.Around supper we made a trip to the emergency room for an injection of Benadryl, and then came home.After an hour, still no effect, so it was back to the hospital at the doctor's advice.The worse case would be allergic shock that could affect breathing.

So there we were at the hospital. For three days!They tried a variety of anti-histamines, anti-inflammatories, and steroids.The large welts would clear up one place then appear another moving from legs to back to neck to stomach, etc.At the worst, his joints also swelled and knots formed on the bottom of his feet.Our family doctor felt okay about discharging Ben this morning after arranging an appointment with an allergy doctor this afternoon.Dr. Bustamante was excellent and prescribed more medicines to get the histamine level down.Keep praying for Ben as he is still on the mend.He is still somewhat uncomfortable with persistent itching but his condition is improving.

We are grateful to God as well for allowing us to celebrate Easter – even inside a hospital room!Ben had a great attitude throughout, even though it was his first experience of being attached to an I.V. pole for three days.The Lord enabled us to stay in good spirits despite the stress of it all.We were grateful for the excellent care of the nurses and our doctor.We and many others prayed for Ben's healing and we are seeing it unfold.Thanks for being there for us.

Love,

Flint, Deb, Ben, and Chris

# # #

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Deb leads CPE

It's 10 weeks of intensive Clinical Pastoral Education. Seminary students minister 45 hours per week in the hospital as they counsel, and pray with patients, their families, as well as health care workers and staff. Besides this they spend time in the classroom examining issues critical to their formation as ministers. Individual supervision allows students to get feedback on their on-going experience. This is CPE -- in intensive experience for both students and their supervisor (in this case, you know who). Please pray that they will have energy, insight, and inspiration for this journey and that they might be able to hang on to the end -- just 5 more weeks, May 26!

Visit us anytime at www.flintndeb.blogspot.com