Quarterly Vol 10 No. 3
July 2000
Hafa Adai and warm greetings from Guam where we are beginning to experience
our rainy season! April marked one year since our return to Guam from furlough.
You'll find this prayer letter to be a little more personal in nature.
We tend to be so excited about the work God is doing in the Asia-Pacific
region that we don't usually take time to share much personal news. "Like
cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land." (Prov.
25:25) Hopefully this letter will give you a better feel for life on Guam
for the Gregsons...
Sarah
is a happy, healthy, active 17 month old girl now. When she isn't running
errands or going for walks with Mommy her days are filled with climbing,
running, swimming, and playing with her dolls and stuffed animals. Sarah
can often be seen clomping around the house in Mom's shoes. She insists
that we read countless books each day. Daily we are amazed at her expanding
vocabulary and her physical strength!
There are lots of inexpensive, fun things to do on Guam. In April, we visited
the public swimming pool and story time at the local library. In May, Sarah
and Denise watched the Olympic torch go by the end of our street and visited
the zoo with some other moms and their kids. We don't really have much
of a yard so we often go to local playgrounds or the nearby park for walking,
kite flying or picnics. There are also nice beaches nearby that we sometimes
visit.
LIFE ON GUAM FOR DOUG
Monday (or any other) morning will either find Doug working, sleeping
in after a night of work, catching up on things around the house, or enjoying
a day off. You see -- Doug's schedule changes every week and he could be
working the early morning shift, the late night shift (getting home sometime
after 3 am) or a normal daytime schedule. Making the physical adjustment
to swing shifting is a constant challenge, but it also means life seldom
becomes dull or "routine."
As you may recall, Doug's main project recently has been the conversion
project of our shortwave broadcasts to a new digital audio system. "D-Day"
("Digital Day") on March 28th went off without any major problems. While
still working on some glitches and production issues related to the new
system, minimal airtime has been lost for which we praise the Lord!
In his "free" time Doug likes to scuba dive, fish or pursue his interest
in astronomy, agreeing with David that "the heavens declare the glory
of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Ps. 19:1)
Thursday mornings usually find us at TWR staff meeting (Doug comes
when he isn't on shift). Sarah loves the opportunity to be able to play
with Kerith, the next youngest member of the staff team. Highlights of
staff meeting are listener letters that are shared and prayed for, and
occasional reports of what is happening in the region.
When not chasing Sarah around, or doing a myriad of other "mommy" tasks,
Denise helps the mission out with a number of small tasks: assisting in
the shortwave Bible Correspondence Department, keeping detailed records
of programs aired over KTWR, writing nutrition pieces for Women of Hope
program, notarizing documents, and editing the staff prayerletters. Although
helping with quite a few different tasks, none of them takes an inordinate
amount of time and the majority of the work can be done at home. They are
therefore "mommy friendly" tasks that allow her to stay connected with
what is happening in the mission. Denise recently resumed a one-on-one
Bible study with her good friend Laurie. She also visited the MOPS (Mothers
of Preschoolers) group a couple of times to get to know other moms with
small children. The group is off for the summer but will pick up again
in the fall. In her "free" time 
Denise
likes to take walks or go for an occasional snorkel.
CHURCH LIFE ON GUAM FOR THE GREGSONS
"Great
is the Lord and most worthy of praise." (Ps. 145:3) Sunday morning
usually finds us at Faith Church. We are encouraged about what God is doing
there. Faith Church is a mix of people from many different cultures and
backgrounds who are actively involved in ministering in the community.
Many are involved in the Prison Ministry, the local Christian bookstore,
or the Pacific Islands Bible College (Guam and Truuk campuses). We appreciate
the unity that exists within the body and the worshipful services. We at
Faith Church await the financing that will allow us to build our church
building. Denise coordinates the nursery care for the church. We both serve
in nursery and help with other needs as they arise. We are involved in
a cell group through which recently got started in our area. One of the
teens has very graciously volunteered to watch Sarah so that Denise can
also be involved.
KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH RELATIVES
Though far away, we do our best to keep in touch with family in the
States through email, phone calls and occasional video calls. We are very
excited to be expecting at least one visitor this summer -- Doug's brother
is making plans to come to Guam for a visit!
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his godly ones."
(Ps. 116:15) On May 18th, Doug's Gram went home to be with the Lord. We
are comforted in knowing that she is in heaven, however we are very sad
that we won't see her again on this earth. For Denise it was special to
have a grandparent again after being without for so long. Gram lived a
healthy, active life right until her last months and we were very glad
for that.
That's our news, we'd love it if you wrote to tell us yours!
