Living Out My Years On Purpose

Many may know after being a pastor and marital counselor I have turned my attentions, in my senior years, to the orphaned and at-risk children of the world. As a global missionary I work with the ministries Linda and I had opportunity to touch during her life. One of my commitments is to Arms of Love International, where I presently serve as President and Board Chairman. In my volunteer role I travel to both countries where our in-country staffs operate children’s homes; Nicaragua and the Philippines.  

The Filipinos call me Lolo Steve (grandfather) and now some of the Nicaraguans refer to me in the same way. It is a sign of our identity as a spiritual family even though the two countries are halfway around the world from each other.  

I leave on July 19th for 2 weeks in the Philippines on the fourth annual mission trip I have led. There will be 6 of us on is multigenerational team (high school, college, empty nesters, and a life senior). We will be arriving from New Mexico, Northern California, Southern California and Minnesota. PRAYER is what powers the team’s service while we are in-country so, will you pray for us? 

Also, we need your help to cover our in-country team expenses. Each of us is asked to raise $1,200 so we aren’t a drain on the organizations funds and able to underwrite the cost of the projects we work on. You can donate online at www.armsoflove.org. When you make your contribution add the note: July Philippines Mission Team.  

Arms of Love International, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization registered in California and with the IRS to receive tax deductible donations. 

 On this trip I will be spending time with Gaudie Micutuan who was selected by the Arms of Love Philippines board to be our new Philippines Executive Director. Last July our Philippines Director, Randy Pepito, passed away making this a year of grief and transition for our children and staff. 

I am also hoping the civil unrest in Nicaragua will subside by the end of August so I can repack my bags to be ready to go to Nicaragua as soon as our staff give me a ‘green light’ to travel there. 

Grief has also fallen on Nicaragua due to the civil unrest and specifically for our Arms of Love family because of the death of one of our own at the age of 17, Eliezer Isaac Collado. Details are unclear about the shooting that took Eliezer's life.

If you can help me financially be prepared to buy my airline tickets when things clam down so I can quickly get to Jinotepe to encourage everyone who has represented us so well through this very difficult time it would be appreciated. My travel expenses to Nicaragua are estimated at $1,500.

$1,200 Philippines team expenses + $1,500 Nicaragua trip = $2,700 

The high level of support I have received over the last five years has been an incredible boost, thank you soooo much!

Blessings,

Steve