The Major Tribe

We are really excited!  On sunday we will be headed up north as a family to visit the Agta for the first time together as a family.  The kids can’t wait!  We plan to fly in by helicopter and spend 4 or 5 days in the village before coming back to Manila.

It’s exciting to visit but even more so knowing that this is where we are also planning to move long term to serve!  We are so grateful to all of you who have prayed with us about where God would have us serve and He has been faithful in directing us.  Its been great to get to know Don and Char Epp and their children along with John Burbidge who are already working in the tribe and we look forward to joining them in seeking to reach the Dupaninan Agta!

Please pray for safe travels and that God would guide us as we seek to build relationships with the people.  Please also pray for wisdom in the planning process for us building a house in the tribe.

We hope to share more with you when we get back!

In Him,

The Major Family

One of the things Bana has focused on while we have been here in Manila is improving her medical skills.  She has enjoyed the learning process and we are frequently reminded by missionaries here of the need for even basic medical care among people living in remote areas.

Recently we have been reminded of the huge need for medical care among the Agta.  Sickness and death from preventable disease is one of the most tragic things among the Agta children.  So many kids are affected by things that clean water, improved nutrition and basic medical care can prevent or cure.

When Jared visited the Agta in February he and John, one of the missionaries serving in the tribe, visited a family who’s young son Siti had been very ill.  After spending some time talking with the family and listening to his lungs John supsected that Siti was suffering from tuberculosis, which is very common here in the Philippines.  The family carried Siti the 20 plus miles out of the village to a small clinic to have him tested.  After a few days the test came back positive for TB.  They were able to get a plan of treatment in place and return to the village.

Within a few weeks, however, Siti’s health had continued to deteriorate and just recently he was taken to the hospital in town.  Tests showed he had more serious issues as well as the TB.  New treatments were pursued but he was already extremely weak.

Siti passed away in the hospital a few days ago.

Please pray for Junior, Siti’s dad, and his family.  Just two weeks prior they lost another one of their children.  Pray that God would open their eyes to the hope and comfort to be found in Christ.  And please also pray that a sustainable medical clinic can be started in the village.

Naomi was really excited to get to show everyone her new smile!

We are celebrating Christ’s Resurrection today! We have hope because He is alive!

It was such a blessing to share in the service this morning!  Here are just a couple quick photos we snapped at church.  We are so thankful to get to be a part of such a great body of believers here in Manila!