Robert & Cirena Smith, Ethnos 360
Philippines
Robert and Cirena are PCC members sent to the Philippines in 2003. They have served in various roles on Palawan and in Manila. Recently they have been involved in providing security for missionaries in remote locations, caring for their spiritual needs, and providing leadership at Faith Academy, a nearby Christian school for children of missionaries. They are presently in the US on home assignment in New Mexico.
My week of meetings at the Ethnos360 Missionary Training Center went very well and it was exciting to meet the next wave of young missionaries heading off to various countries around the world, some of whom are even considering the Philippines. Following my trip to the MTC, Cirena underwent surgery and we are pleased to say that everything went well without complications. Her first three days of recovery were the most challenging but beyond that she has recovered quite nicely. Of course, now there is the issue of regulating her medication but so far so good. Please keep that and her overall recovery in prayer. We also took a trip to Arizona to visit Sheila at Grand Canyon University. She was a bit disappointed with not having a spring break so our visit came at a good time for her. What a blessing this was for each of us as we even found time to visit other friends and supporters including my former discipleship partner who we hadn’t seen since before leaving for the Philippines in 2002.
Finally, please be in prayer for the current COVID-19 situation in the Philippines. Over the last month the number of cases there has continued to rise and the current seven-day average is double what it was at its highest last August. Please pray for our governing authorities there as they make difficult decisions, for greater availability and distribution of a vaccine to help lower the numbers. Most of all, please pray for God’s sustaining grace and mercy throughout the country.