Uplook - February 21, 2026
Greetings again from Seattle,
Lori and I have returned safely from our time in the Philippines. It was a very busy schedule and I apologize for not sending updates but will fill you in a bit on some highlights of our trip. Thank you so much for your prayers.
While not a highlight, we were happy to arrive after some challenges in our schedule due to plane mechanical issues. Let's be clear, I am happy to NOT travel on an airplane which is deemed unsafe but the resulting rescheduling and waiting were not a joyous time but by God's grace we arrived in Manila (via Vancouver BC rather than San Francisco) a mere 31 hours after leaving home with only a 3 hour drive remaining. God was gracious and we had planned a rest day so caught up before our schedule began.
We were able to visit eight of our branch churches in addition to the Headquarters church. We held services in six of those churches. These services included the 42nd anniversary of one congregation and the 63rd anniversary of the Headquarters church as well as the ordination of two new pastors and the installation of a new Philippine Board member. We also held a seminar entitled "Imago Dei - Christian Relationships" which I developed from a Bible Study we gave in Seattle last Fall.
We were thrilled to see many that we have known over the years but even more thrilled at the new young faces in every congregation. We were thrilled to feel a strong outpouring of the Holy Spirit around the altars in many of the services. A highlight was praying with a sister who received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit after one service as well as many other receiving blessings.
I would be remiss if I did not share that one night (February 11) was reserved to celebrate Lori's 70th birthday and celebrate they did. Balloons, food, gifts, singing by a children's choir and also by a men's choir. And of course, there was lots of food. They honored her for her faithfulness over the years in coming and supporting them (and me). Our children each also blessed us with short video greetings to their mother even though she was far away.
Our final day was spent visiting our church group in Cavite province. This group has met for over 12 years as a church and a few before that as an outreach. They have recently purchased a lot upon which to build a church building. We were able to go and view the lot and neighborhood there. Please pray for the Lord to continue to provide for the building of this church and for the spread of the Gospel in that province.
Thank you again for your prayers and patience in allowing Lori and me to minister there. We are glad to be home (although a bit chilly...it was 85 degrees in the Philippines) and will be glad to see many of you again at church tomorrow.
God bless,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Lori and I have returned safely from our time in the Philippines. It was a very busy schedule and I apologize for not sending updates but will fill you in a bit on some highlights of our trip. Thank you so much for your prayers.
While not a highlight, we were happy to arrive after some challenges in our schedule due to plane mechanical issues. Let's be clear, I am happy to NOT travel on an airplane which is deemed unsafe but the resulting rescheduling and waiting were not a joyous time but by God's grace we arrived in Manila (via Vancouver BC rather than San Francisco) a mere 31 hours after leaving home with only a 3 hour drive remaining. God was gracious and we had planned a rest day so caught up before our schedule began.
We were able to visit eight of our branch churches in addition to the Headquarters church. We held services in six of those churches. These services included the 42nd anniversary of one congregation and the 63rd anniversary of the Headquarters church as well as the ordination of two new pastors and the installation of a new Philippine Board member. We also held a seminar entitled "Imago Dei - Christian Relationships" which I developed from a Bible Study we gave in Seattle last Fall.
We were thrilled to see many that we have known over the years but even more thrilled at the new young faces in every congregation. We were thrilled to feel a strong outpouring of the Holy Spirit around the altars in many of the services. A highlight was praying with a sister who received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit after one service as well as many other receiving blessings.
I would be remiss if I did not share that one night (February 11) was reserved to celebrate Lori's 70th birthday and celebrate they did. Balloons, food, gifts, singing by a children's choir and also by a men's choir. And of course, there was lots of food. They honored her for her faithfulness over the years in coming and supporting them (and me). Our children each also blessed us with short video greetings to their mother even though she was far away.
Our final day was spent visiting our church group in Cavite province. This group has met for over 12 years as a church and a few before that as an outreach. They have recently purchased a lot upon which to build a church building. We were able to go and view the lot and neighborhood there. Please pray for the Lord to continue to provide for the building of this church and for the spread of the Gospel in that province.
Thank you again for your prayers and patience in allowing Lori and me to minister there. We are glad to be home (although a bit chilly...it was 85 degrees in the Philippines) and will be glad to see many of you again at church tomorrow.
God bless,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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