From Ken Rose, our missionary in the Philippines:

Greetings from the Philippines

Thank you for all your prayers and efforts to assist us in the Lords work here in Bohol.

It was good to talk with you on the phone today and be able to share our prayer concerns and hear some of the things that are happening in your ministery.

As per your request I will list some of the things here we need prayer for and wisdom.

Internet Cafe

For over 10 years we have been providing computer training and services to the local public here in Talibon both as a very needed service and a means of income and providing employment to one of our church members. I was providing internet to the community via satellite at a finical loss for many years to allow students, pastors and workers to keep in contact with sponsors, donors, friends and prayer partners. The only other means of reliable communication was the post office with letters taking up to a month each way. In recent years technology has caught up and now there are over 15 internet cafes here in Talibon.

The rent in our Cafe will be increased from $90 per month to $225 per month starting next month. Our profit per month is only about $100 so it will no longer be viable to operate without substantial investment in new equipment. I only have 6 old computers running XP. It looks like the best option is to close the Cafe and look to other ways to assist the community and for other income options. I hope to try to set up some of the old equipment in another location on the island of Jao when electricity is connected via a gov project next month.

Boat Building

Talibon is a coastal town. There are many small islands near Talibon that take between 15 min to 2 hours boat ride. All of the boats here are traditional designs with bamboo outriggers. I have built 3 experimental wooden kayaks and coated them with fiberglass. I can paddle to the closest island in 20 min. Nice kayaks are for sale in Cebu for $600-$1000 each.This is far more than most people here would be willing or able to pay. I have hired a church member this week and am in the process of teaching him how to make kayaks. This is a bit of an experiment as I have not tried to sell any of my kayaks yet and I have been doing all the work myself with Lilia helping for the 1st 3 boats. This could be something that could provide several church members and us a continuing income. If we could make a boat for about $200 we could sell it for considerably less than the prices I have seen in Cebu. If I can learn how to put a fine finish on my boats we may also be able to ask higher prices.

Pray for spiritual and numerical growth in the San Carlos Evangelical Church where I pastor.

Pray for the continued success of the Faith Comes By Hearing program to start Bible listening groups around the world. Pray for the pastors that I have provided an Audio Cebuano Bible Player and trained to run Bible Listening home groups around Bohol.

Ken and Lilia Rose

www.talibon.com Internet Cafe
Ngoboc Bldg. Public Market
Poblacion, Talibon
Bohol Philippines 6325