Happy Birthday Martha!

Martha with her beautiful birthday plaque and flowers given to her by Pastor Greg and Lilia Begafria and Shiloh Bible Baptist Church in Sindangan, Philippines.

I prayed this morning that God would give Martha the best birthday ever. He answered that prayer.

Martha’s birthday was today, Saturday, Jan. 21, and she said she couldn’t think of a better way to spend it than ministering to children at the church’s Children’s Fair here in Sindangan, Philippines. I thank God for my godly, sweet and beautiful wife. I am very proud of her and love her tremendously.

I had emailed Pastor Greg Begafria, who is our host pastor for this week of ministry here in the Philippines, and mentioned that Martha was looking forward to spending her birthday ministering to the children. He showed his wife, Lilia, that email and they planned several surprises for Martha.

It started first thing this morning when they arrived with roses and flowers for Martha, and with a decorative plaque that says “Happy Birthday Martha.” Some of the women of the church also wrote Bible scripture and signed it. It is beautiful … all handmade, including the frame it is in.

Then more surprises came at lunch as all of the children sang Happy Birthday to Martha. There were more than 160 children at the Children’s Fair this morning, plus adults, and everyone was singing. It was beautiful, and of course, Martha cried. The children had been practicing the song, because they wanted to give their best to Martha.

As the song ended, Sister Lilia presented Martha with a beautiful birthday cake. I might add that it was delicious as well.

God answered my prayer and gave my precious wife the best birthday. I thank God and the wonderful people here in Sindangan for making this such a special day for her.