Thankful for an Unexpected Journey
Now that we are settled back in our home and our daily routines in Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines, I (Michael) have had a bit of time to reflect on the events of the past month while we were in New Brunswick. I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who came to share in the occasion of my ordination, to all those who sent along greetings and messages of congratulations, and to all those who have play a part in my faith journey that has led me to this occasion. I also want to thank Rev. Alden Crain, and the leadership and congregation at Midland Baptist, who have been such an integral part of my development as a pastor and field staff with Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM), and who put so much work and extra effort into making my ordination service a special occasion that I will remember for the rest of my life – Thank-you! In addition, I want to thank CBM for allowing me the opportunity to travel back to NB for this purpose, and the CBAC for being flexible with a candidate for ordination living half way around the world. AND, I especially want to thank my family who have been so supportive and willing to join me on the amazing journey. So, from the bottom of my heart, THANK-YOU!!
T H A N K – Y O U
When we planned our year it didn’t include a family trip back to New Brunswick at the end of August for a month. Originally, we thought Michael might travel back for a short visit to appear before the examining council for ordination with Canadian Baptist of Atlantic Canada (CBAC). Thankfully, however, God provided the means for our entire family to make the unexpected journey back to NB to share in the celebration of Michael’s successful appearance before examining council and his ordination by Midland Baptist Church, Midland, New Brunswick. We were also able to take a couple of weeks of down-time as a family to rest and prepare for this next season of ministry in the Philippines.
We packed in a lot of events and activities while we were in New Brunswick. Below are some picture to help tell the story…
The kids didn’t attend Oasis this year (they wanted to spend time with grand-parents, cousins, and aunts/uncles – no surprise there!) but they did come for the evening rally when Michael was presented, along with the other successful candidates for ordination, as an ordinand.
There were a number of CBM staff at Oasis this year. We don’t have very many opportunities to spend time with our CBM family so it is always a treat when opportunities like this arise.
(Standing L to R) Louise Hannem, Bruno Soucy, Terry Smith, Kathleen Soucy, Melanie Waddell, Erica Kenny, Andre Sibomana, (kneeling L to R) Adrian Gardner, Aaron Kenny, Michael Waddell (missing from photo: Jeff & Deann Carter)
During CBM’s presentation at one of the evening rallies, Aaron & Erica Kenny (who recently finished their ministry with CBM in Africa and began as Pastors at Bridgewater Baptist in Nova Scotia) presented Andre Sibomana with a symbolic Atlantic Canadian gift as he begins his ministry as CBM’s team leader for Africa.
We didn’t have a lot of time by ourselves during our visit, but we did have this opportunity to enjoy a quite lunch at one of our favourite places (Eastside Mario’s) after sharing about our work at Lewisville Baptist Church in Moncton, NB
Terry Smith (CBM’s Executive Director) was the guest speaker at Midland Baptist Church, at which time, a CBM SENT team from Kingston and Midland Baptist Churches was commissioned to return to the Philippines in early November.
Members of the combined Kingston and Midland SENT team shared about what they are looking forward to during their time in the Philippines during the service.
The annual Balloon Fiesta in Sussex, NB is always a September highlight. We were so thankful for the opportunity to visit the evening ‘glow’ on the Friday night (it rained the rest of the weekend). There were lots of great balloons this year.
Rev. Alden Crain (former CBM field staff in Kenya) has been a huge part of our mission journey. It was so great to have Alden lead Michael’s ordination service. From the picture it looks like they collaborated on what to wear but apparently the two never spoke about it. haha!
Michael was completely surprised by our kids. They performed a special song during his ordination service. We might be a bit biased, but we think they did an amazing job!!
Michael and his parents (Robert & Beth Waddell)
Kyla and Allie with their grandmothers (Sandy Hall & Beth Waddell) at the airport.
It’s always tough saying goodbye to family and friends, and it doesn’t get any easier with experience. So, to help us all feel a little better we decided to try an escape room at one of the large malls in Manila. It was a lot of fun and provided us with some good family laughs when we needed them most.
Before returning to Roxas City we visited Rob & Becky English at The Valley Cathedral Children’s Home in Naic, Cavite (south of Manila) where they live and serve. Rob & Becky are from Fredericton, NB (members of Faith Baptist in New Maryland) and have recently joined CBM’s SENT program (besent.ca). We are looking forward to working more closely with them in the months and years ahead.
For more information on CBM’s work around the world, including the Philippines, or to donate please visit www.cbmin.org or call 1-905-821-3533.
If you are interested in becoming a Partner-in-Mission with our family, please contact Barb Keys (bkeys@cbmin.org or call 1-905-821-3533) at Canadian Baptist Ministries. You can also visit their website at www.cbmin.org to give online or for more information. We are only able to follow God’s leading in our lives thanks to the monthly support of generous individuals and churches.
All donations of $10.00 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt at year end.
Thank-you!
Michael & Melanie
Kyla, Sean, Carter & Allie
