THANK YOU NOTES

Last Sunday, $5,000.00 were given in a special contribution to help those who were severely affected by the disastrous hurricane, Ian. This money was sent to the “Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team” last week. A heartfelt “thank you” to all who so generously gave to this worthy cause.

“We are grateful for the text messages and calls that sent prayers for healing our way. We are thankful for the blessings that God has given us. In His love, Billy Hazlewood and Valerie Cook”

We are excited to receive a lengthy missionary report from the Emperados in the Philippines. Due to its length, it will be posted in parts. This is part one of five. Please keep this work in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D

Dear Family and Friends,

Howdy! We hope this note finds you all doing well and enjoying your fall. So many things happening here in the mission field for the Emperado family and the work in general. We are sorry we have not been faithful in sending reports in a timely manner the last couple of months. We have been living in interesting times, and sometimes it is hard to write and share about our struggles.

Back in June, I had to take Becky to the emergency room because of shortness of breath. She had to be admitted to the ICU due to congestive heart failure, and things were very scary for a few days while they ran tests. We were blessed to have excellent nurses at the ICU, there were only two patients in the ICU while Becky was there. We also found a very good cardiologist, Dr. Rosario. Becky spent five days in the hospital, and when we went to pay the hospital bill when checking out, we found out the cardiologist did not charge us at all, which saved us almost half the bill. Such a tremendous blessing, to find a cardiologist who has a “heart” for missionaries. She told me that she was raised by a Bible believing devout mother and those childhood influences made her who she is now.

Even on follow-up visits, she would not charge Becky at all. We have to insist to pay and leave money to her secretary. Unbelievable! Right now, Becky is on several medications and being monitored. We go back in November for another round of tests to see how she is doing and see what needs to be done next. She was also diagnosed as diabetic and monitors her sugar daily. Thankfully with diet and prescription pills, her sugar levels are where the doctor wants them to be. She is breathing much better, and has more energy, but still finds it very difficult to walk long distances with a mask on. Please keep her and her doctor in your prayers.

On the other hand, since COVID restrictions have finally eased up in the last six months, I have been able to travel again and to do what I do best – visiting the young churches we planted all over the country. I have over 30 churches clamoring for my attention and visits. It is a bit overwhelming, after being confined to Negros Island for two years, but I love this work and never feel like it is a burden. It is such a joy to be able to travel again by planes, cars, & inter island ferries without all the paperwork or testing to be done coming and going.

Much Love, Richard, Becky, and Kids (1of5)