Our son, Philip Michael Baran was born! He surprised us and arrived three days before his due date, on January 8th. We went to the hospital thinking it might be a false alarm but just two hours later we were holding our baby boy. Philip weighs 7lbs 4oz and is a very healthy little guy. Our thanks go out to everyone who sent well wishes and prayed for us!
We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This year we are thankful to be back in the Philippines. We felt blessed to be at North Cebu Baptist Church and celebrate this special season at home. We certainly miss our family and friends (that is something that will never go away) but there is such joy in knowing that you are in the place God wants you. 2017 was a year full of activity and change. At times it was overwhelming but throughout the year, God kept bringing us to this simple truth: He is everything we need and more. So this holiday season I found myself thanking God for Who He Is and what He has done! I am excited (and terrified) about what 2018 has to bring but no matter what, I know God is with me…and that is more than enough.
Our friends from Malaspacua Island have been a blessing! After Typhoon Haiyan, God brought our churches together and developed a friendship. Since that time, we have enjoyed teaching some of their members at Bible College. These ladies have applied themselves to learning; from teaching children’s classes to playing the piano! Now, we are happy to send them back to their home church so (hopefully :) ) they can be a blessing to their pastor! We pray that they continue to be teachable and allow God to work in their lives!
We’re back in Cebu! We want to thank everyone who prayed for us as we made the long trek home. Elizabeth was a trooper and we’re extremely thankful that Philip didn’t make a surprise appearance on the plane! :) Please continue to pray for us as we’re still feeling the effects of jet lag. The kids were up bright and early this morning around 3:30…hopefully that will go away soon! :) The greatest feeling though is being home! It is so good to be back in Cebu; we can’t wait to jump back in the ministry and work with God’s people!