Lynette Orange: April 2023 Newsletter

Easter is a season of joy and hope, but it is also a reminder of God's love.

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Possibly one of the first bible verses we ever learn, but one of the most treasured in the bible. It speaks of God's amazing love for us, that He would give His most precious gift in order that we may live.

I was blessed last weekend to be able to take some time out and head with friends to the beach. During the travel my friend and I reflected on how easy it is to become complacent in our lives, including our spiritual lives. Blessings and joys that we have in our lives easily become mundane and normal and we start to take for granted.

One thing this Easter, I am determined to not allow the traditions, the familiarity or the routine to allow Jesus' death and resurrection to become "normal" or taken for granted. When I think upon His sacrifice, I want to be in that place of marvel and full of praise. Just like in the song "Once again" by Matt Redman I want to be led to the place where I humbled by His mercy and willing to pour out my life all over again in praise and worship to Him.

I am excited for this upcoming Easter Sunday as we will be baptising members of our church. What better way to celebrate Jesus' resurrection that baptising people who are choosing to die to their old lives and be raised up through the waters into a new life in Christ.

I pray for you this Easter that you may experience not just joy and hope but God's amazing love in a new and exciting way and not allow the traditions and familiarity of this season to rob you of experiencing that "once again" realisation of just how much Jesus did for you.

Blessings

Lynette

Who paints the skies into glorious day? Only the splendour of Jesus!

Was sad to say goodbye to James and Andrea who returned to the UK in January

I have joined a Philippine Dachshund group, this was our first meet up! Chester had a lot of fun meeting new friends.

When 2 worlds collide!

As a missionary, when you have visitors from home it brings so much joy! It helps to bridge the gap between the field and home. At the beginning of the year I was so blessed to have Pastor Jon and Pastor Marco from Rugby Elim, my sending church come a visit me and see all the things the City Gates Project are doing.

We had a very packed and full schedule as we visited all 3 locations where we are operating. This meant lots of planes, boats and car rides and there was never a dull moment with these two! Having not been able to get home for almost 18 months now it was such a source of encouragement to me to have them here and they certainly were a HUGE blessing to everyone they met.

Wedding Day!

Our whole school, 120 children, took part in the wedding celebration of one of our parents. The elementary students did a beautiful job of singing as the bride processed into the church and our pre-schoolers were fabulous as flower girls and page boys. We are so thankful that we can give our parents the wedding they have always dreamt of.

Some of our wonderful teachers at City Gates Antipolo. I am very blessed to work with teachers who have a passion and a heart to serve God.

Prayer and Thanksgiving

• Thankful for how God is enlarging our territory and excited for our school in Bambang to reopen in August.
• Thankful for a great team to work with at City Gates Academy.
• Pray for wisdom during preparations for next school year and especially re-opening Bambang pre-school.
• Pray for the last 2 months of school and our children and communities.

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