Good news! Well sort of., Von has finally rung her mother and spoken to her personally. This is such good news because now we can finally be reassured that she is still alive. To date, all communication from 'Von' had been via text and whoever had been sending them was very vague and careful never to give away anything that could be confirmed or which would give anyone any chance of locating Von. At the same time, nothing was put in any of these that could conclusively prove it was Von who was sending them. Because of that, there has been widespread concern for her safety because of the absence of any concrete evidence that she was even alive.

From early June, the ‘story’ has been that Von had gone off and married a man with serious health issues whom she met on the internet and that both he and his family are intensely private. However, nothing of this could ever be confirmed to enable the truth to be known, there had only been text and facebook appeals to, ”trust us” when their very behaviour had consistently been so selfish and untrustworthy, including deliberate attempts to send malicious email viruses to Von’s friends – hardly an action that would win trust and friendship!

The sad side of all this is the confusion and hurt felt by so many, myself included, who simply couldn’t believe that Von would treat her family, friends and the ministry so badly by acting so impulsively in the first place and then repeatedly refusing to come forward personally to allay our fears and concerns.

There is still much that is unknown and my hope and prayer is that, when the dust settles and the full story comes out, there will be circumstances come to light which will go some way to reassure and relieve Von’s family and friends that their respect for, and trust in, her was not entirely misplaced.

Thank you to all who have been praying for her. Please continue to seek God's will to be manifest in her life.

I wonder what is harder, to keep an eternal perspective when things are going well or when life is tough? I suspect that it is harder when things are going well as we usually feel somewhat contented with 'the world' and all it has to offer and therefore can easily became less dependent on God. If this is true for me then its God's mercy to have trials, tribulations and suffering! How can I say that? Well, if it all of these troubles lead us to God and what really counts, ie eternal life, then surely that is a gift from Him.

Currently, as we serve in the Philippines we are encountering many struggles in the ministry. A long term scholar who loves the Lord has gone missing in Manila. She traveled to Manila to have her new prosthesis fitted (she has no lower legs due to a road accident at age 12) and after meeting up with an internet/text male friend, she has not been seen. There have been text messages and facebook messages from 'her' asking for money and assuring her family and friends that all is well. We don't believe this and we are all very concerned for her welfare. Her name is Jhonna Vhon Malida (please join us in prayer for her well being).

I am reminded of Paul and His questioning about whether it was better for Him to die and be with the Lord or to be serving Him in this world. (Phil 1:18-25) Paul is torn between what his heart desires (to be with the Lord) and remaining on earth to serve the Kingdom of God. I note that Paul subjects his own desires in order that others will be strengthened and grow in the faith. So, as we focus on serving the Lord, depending on His power to bring about His will on earth, we continue to pray for each other and stand firm.

We don't understand what God is doing in the life of Jhonna Vhon, but we trust Him to bring about all that He has in mind for her as He loves her very much and in fact, more than we do.