alstons: 2007

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

MarkandFredda Alston

Mark and Fredda Alston have been missionaries to the Philippines since 1986. Church planting networking with short term teams (STM) is a primary focus. Eastern Samar Waraywarays, an unreached people group, is the main target. A number of churches have been planted among these people who live in far flung island villages in Samar and Leyte. Hundreds of responsive island villages have yet to be reached, therefore teams of short term missionaries are still needed. Planting churches and cells of believers is the most effective method to reach these tropical islands. All teams are involved in church planting though other tasks are under taken such as medical clinics, building, rallies and other ministry vacilitating evangelism. Net Center is a short term fast tract training facility located in the heart of these islands near one of the ends of the earth. The Center trains nationals in their own cultural locale to plant and pastor new churches.

San Pablo Pastor's Retreat

- A small isle off shore from Leyte.
- Pastor's retreat and picnics
- Beautiful blue water, white sand and friendly people.
- For foodies it was interesting and exotic fare.

Parrot fish, Monk fish and other sea food soup called "tinola", made with fresh fish and leaves from a local tree that resembles clover, ginger, tammarind, tomatoes, and onions. Very fresh and tasty.
Another exotic delicacy, "Kinilao", a type of Filipino sushi, also was made with fresh raw fish, coconut vinegar, and onions. Many like the "kinilao" better than Japanee sushi. Other fish such as Parrot fish, Monk fish and several other small varieties were grilled and served on plates made from banana leaves and eaten with the hands.

Bayanihan Building Project

A team of 18 people from Scottsdale, Arizona came to Romblon Island to build a church building.
Romblon is famous for it's marble mining an marble products, but even more famous for "Boracay", a white sand tropical paradise.
Although the conditions were not paradise like for the team,( hot, humid weather, long bumpy rides in jeepneys and many other difficulties during the trip), the mission was accomplished as planned. More than a 1000 responded to the Gospel Message and a building was built.
Here are just some of the more than 1000 people that responded to the Gospel message.

Here are the Scottsdale Team members along with Pastor Mark Alston, in front of the nearly completed building. With everyone lending a helping hand the new building will be completed soon.