August 18, 2017
Dear Supporters and Friends,
This month marks the first steps in our family’s journey to the Philippines. Over the coming months our schedule is filled with a visit to the Philippines followed by visits to churches as we present our ministry and raise support for the work God has called us to. We are excited to partner with Pacific Rim Missions International (https://www.pacificrimmissions.org/) to launch Haven of Grace Seminary just south of Bacolod on the island of Negros in the Philippines. Our vision is to see a thriving, biblically-sound seminary established at Haven of Grace that will have an impact for the Gospel of Jesus Christ not only in the Philippines, but all throughout Southeast Asia.
This month we have already had the opportunity to present our ministry at Lighthouse Baptist Church (Newark, DE). In just a couple of weeks Lighthouse will vote to officially become our sending church. Of course, this is the ministry I had the privilege of serving at for 7 years as an assistant pastor. It was a joy to reconnect with so many folks at Lighthouse who are so dear to us, as well as to get acquainted with many new friends who have joined in the years since we left. During our time at Lighthouse, I (Tim) had the opportunity to present our ministry to the congregation and preach in the Sunday evening service on August 6. It was an added blessing to connect with three Filipino believers who are a part of the church. On Wednesday we joined in LBC’s mid-week “Refresh” service and it was a joy to worship together among a body of believers that feels like family to us. During this service I shared a challenge from 1 Thessalonians considering how the Gospel “thundered out” from the church at Thessalonica.
For Sunday, August 13 we initially planned to join my parents at their church (Bensalem Baptist Church), but I received a text on Saturday morning from Pastor Witmer (Lighthouse’s pastor) asking if I might fill in for him on Sunday morning since he had come down with the flu. So, it was an unexpected blessing to be with the believers at Lighthouse once more and open the Word of God to them.
As I write this update we are now just 5 days away from the start of our 3-week trip to the Philippines. During this trip our hope is to get the family acclimated to a new culture, unique foods, and a different climate. We would appreciate your prayers for us that we might have a safe trip, stay healthy, and enjoy our time with the believers in the Philippines. I would also appreciate your prayers for me as I will be preaching and teaching throughout our time there as well.
Once we return home from our trip we will be visiting churches to raise monthly support. It is hard to know how long this process will take, but we are praying that the Lord will allow the support to come in quickly so we can make it to the field as soon as possible. But even in this request we say, “May God’s will be done.” If you would like to support us, please stop by our website (valiantes.com) to find out how you can help. Also, if you would like to be added to our email list to receive our monthly updates via email, contact us through our website or send an email to tim.valiante@gmail.com.
Once more, we thank you for the love and support you have offered to our family during this time of transition.
Serving Christ,
The Valiantes
Prayer Requests:
For a safe and fruitful trip to the Philippines
For our house to sell (if that is God’s will)
For our schedule to fill with meetings for the fall
For God to supply our financial needs (for the upcoming trip and monthly support)
Praises:
For great meetings at Lighthouse Baptist Church
valiantes.com 