Lynette Orange: October 2023 Newsletter

John 8:32
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

I have recently been on a quest, seeking advice from multiple sources in an attempt to reach the truth regarding a problem I have been experiencing with my eyes. The problem was that some people did not want to tell me the truth, as they were afraid I wasn’t ready to hear or accept the difficult news.

A very kind missionary doctor encouraged me to be like the Canaanite woman who refused to settle when Jesus did not answer her request to heal her daughter. She was persistent. I have had to be persistent in seeking the truth about my eyes. Like the Canaanite woman, I knew something was wrong! Despite being told to wait I was not prepared to do so, knowing each day could cause more damage my eyes. I needed the truth in order that I can do something about it - get the right medication. So I kept asking questions until I found the right doctor who could speak truth. Now I have it and I feel relief.

Similarly in life, we many times do not want to hear the truth or speak the truth for fear of offending or misunderstanding. However, we will neither have peace or freedom without it. You see, pursuing truth brings freedom. May we be people who will be persistent in finding the truth and choose to walk every day in the freedom it brings.

Time in the UK well spent with much loved and missed family!

Thankful for new partnerships - visiting British School Manila for training.

End of School Year 2022-2023

What a blessing to get to the end of School Year 2022-2023 and our first full year of face-to-face teaching since the pandemic. It was especially special to have our first scholar graduate from Grade 6 meaning she had completed her education from Nursery-Grade 6 at City Gates Academy! I could not be more proud. (photo credit: Pastor Glenn Isaguirre)

Summer 2023

After almost 2 years it felt good to get a change to go back to the UK and see friends and family. This year was especially special as we had many things to celebrate - my Dad's 70th, my Mum's retirement, my sister's masters and lastly my 40th! What better way to celebrate than a cruise round the Norwegian Fjords. This was an incredible blessing for my family and I - I thoroughly recommend cruising to anyone!

Home Support

It was such a blessing to be home in the UK at Rugby Elim and City Gates London. I am so passionate about what we are doing here at City Gates Academy and consider is such a blessing and honour to be able to share about the work. I am so thankful for Rugby Elim sending me out and continually praying for me and for City Gates London for their constant care, calls and love for the academy.

Conferences

Returning to the Philippines I hit the ground running. Immediately heading to the Elim Global and Living Epistle Conference. What a great time I had catching up with Elim Global partners from all over the world, reconnecting and networking. We had 4 days of excellent teaching which was perfect for equipping me for the beginning a new school year.

New School Year, New Schools!

The start of this school year has been especially exciting as am now responsible for the academics across 3 schools! Living Epistle Bambang has reopened their doors for students and it is a privilege to be a part of this. I spent 2 weeks helping them start and settle in their new students and working alongside the teachers. We are adopting the same curriculum as in Antipolo and Coron, which sees children learning through play. God was so amazing in providing furniture, toys and educational materials meaning we did not have to worry for the start of the school.

Prayer and Thanksgiving

• Thankful for wisdom and truth and a correct diagnosis for my eyes.
• Thankful for a great team to work with at across the 3 schools, City Gates Academy, Antipolo and Coron, and Living Epistle Academy, Bambang.
• Pray for upcoming plans for Christmas
• Pray for continued strengthening of relationships with our parents and children and sharing of the gospel.