The Gotchers Your Missionaries to the Philippines January 2014 Update Dear Pastors, Churches and Friends, It’s been a few weeks since our last update. So many things have happened in the last few months and we want to share God’s blessings with you as well as some challenges for the next few months. TYPHOON HAINAN UPDATE For a region that has been so catastrophically devastated by this typhoon last year, it’s amazing to see the progress now in rebuilding. In my last writing I told you about over 30 churches that we are helping to rebuild. That number has now grown to over 70 BBFI churches that need to be rebuilt. We continue to partner with Bible Baptist Church in Cebu; it’s been overwhelming to see so many churches in need. But, we are thankful for the response of so many churches and individuals to reach out to our brothers and sisters in the Visasyas region of the Philippines. Many churches have started rebuilding. Some are looking for more pieces of land because their churches were washed away or completely destroyed. We have talked to some many pastors and church members who’s buildings and homes have been destroyed but their spirits have not been crushed. I want to tell you about just two of these churches. Mayorga Baptist Church in Mayorga, Leyte. Pastor Jay is their pastor; he is still in his 20’s and finishing up Bible college. When the storm hit, they were in the middle of transferring from their old building and completing work on their new building. Both were destroyed by Hainan. I have been keeping in contact with him through text and picture updates. He and other church members and Bible college students have been working tirelessly to rebuild their church. Thanks to donations from the Philippines and the U.S., they’ve been able to buy supplies and the new construction is going well. They’ve seen many people saved over the past few weeks and their attendance is growing. It’s amazing how God works in the midst of the storm.
Mayorga Baptist Church After the storm, all that was left of this building were the four main posts. Please pray for Pastor Jay and the church as they continue to rebuild.
Medillin is a city on Northern Cebu. Medillin Bible Baptist Church is led by Pastor Sayon. Last December I rode with this man and his family as we toured his damaged church and others in the surrounding area. Earlier in the year, I had given the challenge to our daughter Sydney to start a ministry called Syd’s Kids and raise $3,000 for Christmas gifts for children in our feeding centers. After the typhoon, I challenged her to double that goal to $6,000. With Christmas fast approaching, I asked Pastor Sayon what they would do for the 150 children at their church. He said that they had told the children to bring in empty shoe boxes and pray that God would fill them. My eyes filled with tears and I told him, “I think their prayers have been answered. We can help with that.” We ended up helping with gifts for 300 children there and over 100 received Christ as their personal Savior! All together, over $7,000 was given, 550 children and their families were reached and 134 received Christ as their Savior. We are so proud of Sydney and her heart to reach children with the Gospel!
Medillin Bible Baptist Church Let Us Rise Up and Build!
Syd’s Kids Christmas Gift-‐Giving
Our typhoon relief efforts continue. The churches you see above are 2 out of 70. Our total estimate as of now is $500,000 for the rebuilding of these churches. We’ve already had commitments of around $200,000 that have been given or made. Would you pray with us about helping us raise the remaining $300,000. If you feel led by the Lord to give, you can send donations to: BBFI – Gotcher Philippines Typhoon Relief PO BOX 191 Springfield, MO 65801. God has been blessing in so many ways but we have faced many attacks already this year. Last weekend we had over 100 saved. This month, Brent and Amanda Longenecker helped us start our newest location – Sumulong Baptist Church – Lifehouse. We will launch a new location in February with our Eldorado church and another one in March. We’ll also launch a new service at our Eastwood location in March. Thank you for your prayers and support to help make this possible. In Christ, Lance Gotcher BBFI Missionary to the Philippines [email protected] BBFI –Gotcher PO Box 191 Sprinfield, MO 65801
