Christmas is almost here, 2016 is winding down

The rebuilding of Gloria and Scott's home, destroyed in the Tornado of Dec 26, 2015 is almost completed.  It will be hard this Christmas to top the excitement of our last Christmas together. We are not trying to top it, by the way, and we hope we don't go through that type experience again.  However, the tornado helped us to re-evaluate things and assess priorities as to those things that are important.  Our family, who are the greatest and most important, will get together at our home this year.  All four of our children and spouses [of the three that are married] and our 12 grand [very grand] children will all be together in our home that we purchased in Bethany Okla.

This year my "honey" time with my sweetheart of 46 years is spent largely going to the doctor's office, followed by a trip to Braum's.  For those of you not from around here Braum's is an ice cream store.  Their dairy and plant is in a small town of Tuttle, Oklahoma.  Their ice cream is delicious, their milk is really fresh, and the best part for us is that with Nancy's low sodium [salt] diet is they will cook their hamburger after ordering with no added seasoning.

Retirement:

Sunday School Class Dinner (Photo compliments of Arlita Harris, SS Teacher)

Our Church's - Western Oaks - Chile Cook off (photo compliments of  Lydia Diaz Marzouk, NMI Pres.) 

I love going to a church with a multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi generational congregation.  I love having a colorful church as it reminds me more of what Heaven will be like.

We officially retired 31 October and have been busy getting ready for Christmas.  As we approached retirement we wanted to be involved in ministry, possibly with children or youth.  The last year and half in the Philippines really brought out our passion to help the young people.  We are excited to see what God has in store for us.  We look with anticipation toward the future.  At first it felt a lot like unemployment.   I may have to one day find a real "paying" job.  I'm not adverse to work, in fact I've been called a workaholic before, but from my perspective my entire life I have not worked much, since I have always enjoyed what I have done.  If you are doing something you love it is a hobby but if one earn money on his hobby, what a deal.   "Good Deal", for those who know me and have pointed out that I say that a lot.

Family Update:
Our Grandkids are growing up.  For the older ones, if I'm going to connect with them I have to do it quickly.  Zach is a Junior in Southern Nazarene University and he is the youth minister at Williams Church of the Nazarene near the campus.  He served his freshman and Sophomore years as intern at this church.  They hired him and provided him a home by the church.  I guess he impressed them as their intern.  Gloria is homeschooling the other two boys.  Geoffrey, Gloria's second born, was able to travel with Grandpa to the Pacific Northwest as we toured in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.  I believe this makes the 4th or 5th consecutive home assignment that we have toured the Northwest District, but the first time without my wife.

Our Granddaughter Justus, Greg and Wendy's eldest traveled with Nancy and I to Southern California.  This was not a busy tour, as far as church services go, but it was an awesome time visiting with and connecting with family.  I have cousins that live in the Glendora area.  Justus is quite an artist and loves to draw.  I have a cousin that writes children's books and she was so impressed with Justus' drawing that she has been in correspondence with her to illustrate her books.

Ransom with Grandma and Grandpa

Ransom, Greg and Wendy's second born, was able to travel with Grandma and Grandpa on a tour that took us to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, through Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, before our final assignment in Pittsburg.
(Photo to right - Courtesy of Tami Jaynes when we visited her church in Coshocton, Ohio)


Then Felicity, Geoff and Churie's second born, toured with us as we toured Georgia District.

Our Grandchildren provided excellent service to us.  More than just providing company, they assisted Grandma with her oxygen, wheel chair, and other needs.  Also this provided some time alone with these to really connect.  It was truly valuable time.

Our grandchildren are involved in Bible Quizzing and are doing quite well.  Zach our eldest is now a Teen Bible Quiz Coach.  Justus, Ransom, Geoffrey, Raina, Joshua, and Addie are all in the teen quizzing and Felicity, Tessa, and Elisha are involved in the children's quizzing.

Our children are all active in their local church.  Gloria and Scott and family are members of Richardson, TX, where Gloria works with the children and youth, and also is busy on the district too. Greg and Wendy are active in Lake View Park where Greg serves on the worship team, but also they work with the Bible Quiz team of Choctaw, OK since LVP doesn't have a quiz team.  Wendy serves as the quiz coach.

Geoff and Churie go to Canadian Hills Church in Yukon, OK where Churie is the Children's pastor.  They have just accepted a call to a new assignment.  Geoff will then be the youth pastor and Churie will be the children pastor.

Gary actively attends Lake Overholser Church in Bethany, OK.  One thing you cannot accuse our family of dominating and controlling a church.  Nancy and I have been attending a 4th church.  All of our sons attend churches within a 10 mile radius, or so, of our house.  We are just spreading the "Miller" salt around.

Travel Highlights:
Here are some photo's of the year.  This first photo was taken in Nampa Idaho.  Nancy did not go with me on this trip. I had wonderful Faith Promise at the College Church.   I met up with LaBaron's.  Sarah was an MK in PNG and they came with their 6 children.  We had a wonderful meals and some uncle time.


(This photo taken by Sarah LaBaron)

They have since moved to Oklahoma and don't live far away as they work at Bethany First Church.





Here are some I haven't seen in years.  Danielle, Christopher, and Joseph were young the last time I saw them.  We were with them in Poteau, Okla.  Their parents (not pictured here) were our best friends when we were all together in the Carnegie Church raising our young families. (Photo compliments of Martha Milligan)



Here was an exciting time this year when I was at the East Ohio District Boys and girls camp.  I'm right in my venue.

It was a wonderful time as I took turns eating meals with the different cabins so I could learn the kid's names.

I was able to share the stories.  What fun it was!
(This photo taken from someone on the E. Ohio district.)

Here I am at the Ottumwa, Iowa church in their Faith Promise as we went over the top.  The top candle is for $15,000 and I can't remember the total raised but it was over $20,000 as I recall.

(Photo sent to me from someone at the Ottumwa Church)


Being on the road this year, we have not visited as much as we would like with our extended family.  Some of our family live nearby.  My sister-in-law Sara lives a few blocks away.  We have a niece Christina and husband Bert who also lives a few blocks away.   Sara Jane and husband Brian live about 45 min away where Brian is the Chief of Police in his small town.


Nancy's mother celebrated her 90th birthday this year as we had a celebration for her in Owasso, OK.  Nancy has two living brothers Don and wife Linda in Mt Pleasant, TX, and Chris and wife Sonja in Skiatook, OK.

Don and Linda's:  It was great visiting with our niece Melodie and husband Ben and their three children in Omaha, Neb.  I was following my GPS, touring the Iowa district and as I approached this town I stopped at a rest stop and saw the map and I was near Omaha, Nebraska so I called Ben and Melodie and they attended the service on Sunday Morning.  After service I was planning on driving home but my niece Anne invited me to spend the night.  What great uncle can refuse such a request.  Had a great time.  Julie (the first born) and Phillip and their family live in Mt Pleasant.  Julie is a grandma by her step son.   Seth (last born) and his wife Fatima live in the same town with us.  I was able to give Fatima driving lessons and helped her get an Oklahoma drivers license.  Living overseas, I missed out on the driving school for our youngest sons.

Chris and Sonja's:  We were able to stay in Chris and Sonja's home on a couple of occasions.  I think Sonja has a neat job as she works as a translator for the hearing impaired or deaf children.  She's awesome in her use of sign language.  Their daughter Melissa and husband Adam live next door.  They have quite an assortment of pets (snakes, lizards, as well as the more normal pets Dog and cat).

On Facebook it has been fun reconnecting with friends from a long time ago as well as keeping in contact with current friends.  With Instant Messager it is easy and cheap to see their face and to talk with them live.  But it has also been neat seeing people again face-to-face, where I can give them a hug.  To see adults that were kids I had in children's church 28 or more years ago is wonderful.  One man and his wife I met in the Pacific NW who left Carnegie 40 years ago.   One lady who I found on FB maybe 5 years or so ago and now lives with her husband in Southern Calif, I met while there.

News from the Solomon's:

Dickson and Doris

At the Solomon Islands recent District Assembly in November, the General Superintendent appointed their first local District Superintendent, Rev. Dickson Manongi.  I am in the process of writing a bio about him and when ready I will post it too.

Photo of Rev. Dickson and wife Doris

At this District Assembly in November Dickson was ordained along with 4 others.  These were all my Bible College Students.  I've added their pictures below.  I'm not sure why they are a different size, but it certainly doesn't mean some are less important.

Dickson is the most instrumental in opening the work in the Solomon Islands.

Mairy

Of these ordinands Dickson and Mairy were the only ones who were members of the Church of the Nazarene when we arrived in the Solomon Islands in August 1999.

Mairy served in many capacities on the district.  She was on the District Advisory Board, the District Treasurer, District Women's ministry President, as well as Children's Sunday School Teacher.  I understand she is now the Bible College Principal.  She served as pastor in one of our churches in the Western Province.  She has also held training classes in Community Based Health Care (CBHC), Women's ministry, and served the Lord wherever needed.

Patricia

Patricia is pastor on LaVella LaVella island in the Western Province. She is a fireball preacher.  People accurately describe her messages as short and sharp.  The Holy Spirit really uses her to minister to people.  Normally after she preaches the response is dramatic with many coming to the altar for prayer.  Once after she preached her practical in the Bible college class, half of the Bible College Students come forward for prayer.

Patricia and Mairy are the first women ordained as Nazarene pastors in the Solomon Islands, in a country where there are only a few women who are ordained.

Revelation

Revelation came to our church many years ago now.  He was the member of another church but met our Jesus Film Team when our JFT went to his island and the communication was messed up and providentially the team met Revelation who put together some venues and organized a trip for them.  He traveled with the JFT for many years.  He was pastor of a church near his home.  Then after a church in the Western Province was planted by the JFT, Revelation went as the pastor.  Then he planted another church on his home island
Jeremy is the brother of the Jesus Film Team leader named Jimmy.  The first church planted through the JFT was in an area of Malaita named East Kwaio.  

Jeremy

Jeremy lived there and became the pastor.  This is a very remote area and it required two days travel for me to arrive, including an 6-8 hour hike.  This will make Jeremy the only Nazarene who is an ordained elder in the area.

Please keep the Solomon Islands in your prayer.  I know God is going to do mighty things there through the capable leadership of Bro. Dickson and his team.


Nancy and I have been active in the ARMM (Association of Retired Ministers and Missionaries).  They have a breakfast once a month and a weekly men's prayer breakfast.

I plan to write a post Christmas follow-up letter to this.

At the Right is pictured Hannah in her wedding dress.  She was like a daughter to us in the Solomon's.  She had her church wedding on December 3.  Her son Jolton is now 1 year old.

(Photo compliments of Hannah)

Memorial to my Dear Friend - Baru

I received a message early thanksgiving morning that my dear friend and "Son in the Lord" passed away.  As I sat in my office and just finished my time of prayer, one of those prayers being for a healing miracle for Baru.  I just turned on the internet and soon afterward a message came in from Mr. Wallace White Kintak, the director of the Nazarene College of Nursing.

Baru lost the battle to Multiple Myeloma but he is in the arms of Jesus.  my prayers are for his wife Christina, the children he has left, and his many relatives and friends.  His administrative skills will certainly be missed in the NHM (Nazarene Health Ministry) and especially around the Kudjip Hospital.

I was so thankful that my son Gary recently was able to visit Papua New Guinea on a Work and Witness trip and was able to sit down with Baru and talk with him.  I have lots of photos and slides of my work with Baru, but they are not digitalized.  

My mind goes back to the first time I met Baru.  As a brand new missionary, I just finished orientation and began the work of overseeing the hospital laboratory/x-ray department, Baru came into my office for an interview.  He submitted application for student enrollment in our MLA [Medical Laboratory Assistant] school to begin in January 1990.  I questioned him about his spiritual life to which he honestly admitted he was not serving the Lord.  I had received the required spiritual reference letter from his brother/pastor and Baru answered my questions truthfully.  Since he told me the truth I considered his application and after a few days praying I felt definite peace about accepting him.  It was during the opening revival that he surrendered his life to the Lord.  As a student he was dependable and honest. 

After graduation Baru served in the Nazarene Hospital lab where I was supervisor.  He married Christina who graduated from our College of Nursing and was working at the Nazarene Hospital. Later Baru went to POM to the National Referral Hospital to receive more advanced training in the medical laboratory work.  When I left after a decade of service to the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, Baru was back home and our laboratory was able to perform better because we had someone who understood how the country's medical laboratory functioned, but more importantly he knew people and had friends (former teachers and staff) who he could contact and he was able to access services that I didn't know were available.

After my transfer to the Solomon Islands our contact and mutual friendship did not cease.  Within our first year in the Solomon's we returned for 6 months when evacuated from the Solomon's due to civil unrest.  I arrived in time to assist in the setting up of the new x-ray machine and blood cell counter.  

  

Then I returned in 2006 for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Nazarene Mission in Papua New Guinea.   At that time I stayed in Baru and Christina's home on Kudjip station.  I took this photo at that time.

Shortly after this Baru and Christina built a home near Banz and started a house church which was quite successful.

Then the Solomon Island district invited him to be our evangelist and here is a photo of Baru preaching in the Honiara Zion church.

This photo was taken at the Lunga River near Honiara following a baptism we held in conjunction with the assembly.

Baru led a large number of PNG delegates to the General Assembly in Orlando Florida, having never personally visited the USA.  He contacted me for information since I'd led two previous groups.  I'm not sure how much help I was but he did a great job, and it was certainly exciting seeing him there.  Baru was willing to step out of his comfort zone to attempt new things for the Kingdom.

I accepted an invitation of Baru and Christina in 2010, if my memory is correct, to visit him and celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary and also the organization of their house church.  I searched for photos of that visit but did not find them.  At that time there were 200 people attending their house church.

Later they built this church building and at a single baptism they baptized 75 new believers, making that the largest baptism held by the Church of the Nazarene in Papua New Guinea.




Baru will definitely be missed but his influence will live on in the lives of those he has touched.  He was about investing in the Kingdom.

Please remember to pray for his wife Christina and his other family members as they rebuild their life.  Baru was one who was always there and a stronghold.  His life was shortened, but it was only a miracle of God's grace that he was still alive and active until now, as Baru, had a rugby injury that broke his neck soon after his marriage and he should have been a quadriplegic or dead at that time.  That is another story, but I knew when I saw his x-ray and he had no paralyses or pain that God's hand was upon him.  God had definitely given Baru a second life and he lived it to the full, except he stopped playing contact sports.  I thank God for the memories I have of this man.  Baru is one of my spiritual sons who I had the privilege of walking with, investing time in, and serving together on this earth, and looking forward to being together forever around the Throne of God.

Election Story - Myth Sprinkled with Truth

Election Myth Sprinkled with Truth

(From an Election in Papua New Guinea, during the early 1990s)

Let me tell you a story as it was told to me about a rabisman [Tok Pisin for poor man] named Karinga (pronounced Car-ing-ah).  

As I remember this event, one Saturday, during an election campaign, four men were carrying Rabisman Karinga on poles on their shoulders.   He was being carried like a king, perched on his seat that was made especially for this purpose, and the bier was beautifully decorated with flowers, etc.  This attracted quite a crowd of people as they march around Kundiawa Town and Air Port.  As they marched they shouted "Rabisman Karinga for Parliament ", "Vote for Rabisman Karinga".  The shouts grew louder and became more and more enthusiastic and charged as they grew more crowds and onlookers.

Rabisman was quite well known in Kundiawa for several reasons.  First he sold firewood in the Kundiawa market.  But besides that PNG was a tribal culture and very relational culture and everyone knew everyone and quite often they had family ties to each other.  But everyone knew that Rabisman was indeed poor.  He did not have a good education and therefore he could not land a good job.  He lived in a bush home and daily, when weather cooperated, cut and stacked firewood to take to the Kundiawa market.  This is hard, backbreaking work, but he did it so he could buy food and survive.  I don't remember whether he was married or had children, but that is not extremely important to this story. 

Everyone knew he did not have money so how was he able to pay the K2000 to register as a candidate for the elections. (In those days this would have been more than US$1800)  In PNG elections we have many political parties but anyone, who is a citizen without a criminal record, can ran for office as an independent by just paying the registration fee.  I'm unaware of other requirements.

Here is the story I was told explaining how Rabisman Karinga, went from poverty to running for political office.

As usual he cut and bundled his firewood, and got it ready to take to the market, but for two or three days in a row when he got up early to take his firewood to the market most of his bundles were missing.  Someone had come during the night a stole this firewood that he worked so hard to cut, split, and prepare.  He decided to stay awake one night and spend the night watching so he could catch the thief.

As he watched he saw some little people (in English we would call them dwarfs) coming and walking off with his firewood.  So he ran after them chasing them and finally caught one.  He started beating on this little guy and the dwarf's wantoks (people of some tribe or literally speak the same language) turned around when they saw their fellow wantok in trouble.

They begin to plead with Rabisman, to not kill their wantok. They asked Rabisman, "What do you want?  What is your wish?  We will give you anything you want, just stop hurting our wantok." 

To this Rabisman replied, "I don't believe you, I don't think you have anything you can give me.  What can you give me anyway?"  He was still holding a strong grip on the dwarf he caught and started to beat him again as punishment for stealing from him, when the other dwarf's intensified their plea bargaining.

"Do you want to be rich?  If so we can make you rich."  "Would you like a car, or any other type cargo? If so just make a wish and we'll make that happen for you."

They negotiated back and forth until finally Rabisman said, "What I really want to do is to be a Member of Parliament." 

"No problem", came the reply.  "Tomorrow, we will send a Toyota Hilux to pick you up at your house.  This driver will take you to the election board to register for the election."  This happened the day before the closing date for a candidate to register if he/she wanted to contest the election.

Rabisman said, "I have no money to pay the registration fee."

"No, problem" was the head dwarf's response as he handed Rabisman a peace of paper.  "That number on the paper is your new account number at BSP (Bank of South Pacific)  In your account is K100,000 to pay the registration fee and to fund your campaign."  "We guarantee you will win, if you keep up the campaign." He added, "If you run out of money there is more were that came from."

When Rabisman left to go home he was definitely skeptical but his spirits lifted when he checked at the BSP and sure enough his account was there in his name with the amount of money the dwarf said.  He woke up early the next morning, and in fact it was hard for him to go to sleep as he lay awake with his mind busy dwelling on his encounter with the dwarfs, contesting the election, and serving in Parliament.  Could it be possible that a poor man like him who could not speak English really be elected to Parliament?

Well before 9:00 am a brand new double cab Hilux with dark tinted windows came by his house.  The driver said, "I've come to take you to the government house to register your candidacy for the election.  So when the office opened up they were the first one in.  As Rabisman told the clerk, "I've come to register my candidacy for the Provincial Parliament Seat", and handed them a check for the K2000 registration fee.  The reaction was definitely one of surprise mixed with disbelief and doubt.  They doubted this bush kanaka [a term used to describe native, primitive, or uncultured people] would be qualified to serve in Parliament.  They knew his check had to be forged, and they definitely didn't believe he would have enough money to pay the registration fee.

The officer said, "I'm certain you do not have a bank account, and this check can't be any good."  [There are a lot of requirements to open a bank account in PNG and usually it requires a reference letter from your employer and two forms of ID, which most really poor people do not have.]  Rabisman insisted that they notify the BSP Bank and finally they agreed and was even more shocked when the banking officer confirmed that he had lots of money in the account. 

I forgot now how many candidates contested the Chimbu Provincial Seat, but there must have been more than 20 and his name was on the bottom of the list.  The story goes that when the election official reported to work the next day Rabisman Karinga (Can't remember his real name) was moved from the bottom of the list to the first name on the list and the letters in his name were much larger than the other names. 

The following day was the Saturday that when he was carried by the four men through the streets of Kundiawa Town.  The cheers and the excitement of his candidacy was overwhelming. 

Following this Saturday it appeared that noone else stood a chance of winning.  He had his mockers and jeerers.

Some such comments were:

"How can a poor man like you win the election, we have never heard of such." To which he replied, "There are more rabisman [poor] than rich and so all the poor people will vote for me because I understand what they need."

"How will you make it in Parliament, as all the business is in English."  To which he answer "No problem, I have enough money I will have a translator sitting beside me to aid me."

One of more popular candidates who had resource tried to bribe Rabisman and said, "If you drop out of this race I'll give you K10,000.  Rabisman replied, "If you drop out I’ll give you K20,000,

The incumbent candidate went to him and said, "If you drop out I'll give you a new Hilux.  To which Rabisman replied, "If you drop out I'll give you 2 new Hilux. 

I'm not sure what became of Rabisman after this, but I heard he received threats and was being bullied as all the other candidates were after him.  They certainly didn't want his name on the ballot.  Anyway within a week of two we never heard anymore about him.  He disappeared or at least dropped out of the race and was not on the ballot.  I inquired of the locals as to what happened to him and the only response I could muster was, "Mi no save." (I don't know.)

The truth of this story is that the events of the Saturday march were true.  The rest of the story is the explanation as I was told about how this poor man could rise in popularity so quickly.  This was the first version I heard, but later I heard another version that was quite different but was similar in the involvement of the dwarfs stealing the firewood and one getting captured.

This is for your enjoyment.  There may be an application in there somewhere but I was one who loved to listen to the stories.  It was fascinating to me to realize that in the folklore from USA there are also stories of the dwarfs.

The Golden Rule: Still Worth Living by.

    Where has the Golden Rule Gone?  The Golden Rule basically says, "You should treat others the way you would like them to treat you."  It does not say to pay them back for what they have done to you.  Neither does it say to treat them the way they have treated you.  It definitely does not say to treat yourself first and best, while you have a chance.

    Let me illustrate. I'm taking blood pressure medicine and water pills so I frequently have to stop and go to the necessary facilities.  Let me give you a couple of illustrations from my visit to such places.  Whether you call these rooms with toilets: restrooms, even though there is no bed or comfortable chair; bathrooms, even when most do not have a bathtub; comfort room [CR]; water closet [WC]; John; Post Office; etc, etc.

    Recently a man was trying to get a paper towel out of the crowded towel dispenser.  He became more and more impatient as he was obviously in a hurry and a huff.  He was finally successful in drying his hands but ended up with fragments of paper strewn over the floor around the waste paper container.  He finally tossed the last paper towel toward the can but it missed, landing on the floor with the rest of his mess.  He left obviously, "bent out of shape".  He probably thought it serves them right not having something easier and he acted angry at the entire situation.  He probably thought, "It is not my job." It was definitely a one-man mess.  It certainly wasn't my mess. I had nothing what-so-ever to do to create this scenario.  But neither did those workmen, it was not their mess.  As someone following the Golden Rule, it took me five seconds to pick up the trash and put it in the right place.  I wanted to show appreciation for the privilege of having such nice facilities so we could use.  It cost me nothing, but a little time, to treat the staff the way I would want to be treated if I was an employee.  Even though any following travelers would not have a clue what I did, I wanted to leave the place tidy.  To leave it so others behind me could find it the way I would like to find it.

    Just last night, I had to go to the facility really bad.  I had driven about 75 miles, stopped once on the side of the road as I received a phone call. But for the last 10-15 miles I thought I would bust.  I went into the service station and they had a one-hole facility.  Another man walked in ahead of me and used the facility.  When I went in the toilet had either not been flushed or it was blocked.  When I flushed it, I noticed it was the latter.  Fortunately it did not run over.  This problem may not have been caused by the man who just left, but he didn't say anything to me about it nor did he report it to the staff.  It definitely was not my problem and I could have very well just emptied my bladder and have gone on my merry way.  However in this case there was a toilet plunger beside the toilet, which is a good sign that this is a frequent problem.  It just took a couple seconds for me to relieve the blockage using the plunger.   Neither the customers, management, nor staff, have a clue as to what I did.  

    No body has to know what we do, but there is no law against being courteous, speaking kind words, and acting in ways that we want others to act toward us.   There is no law about employing some common sense which doesn't seem too common now.

      Now a few comments in regard to the rioting, currently in the news.  It is tragic when someone is killed or dies unexpectedly.   But whenever there is a shooting by the police that does not give people a license to loot and ravage the businesses of innocent people.  There is consequences for wrong actions and we need to look at ways to respond according to the Golden Rule.  We can get even God's way, by returning good for evil.  It is never right to do wrong.  

THE GOLDEN RULE IS STILL WORTH LIVING BY

written by George Miller

Update on My dear wife Nancy's Health

Many people have written us and talked with us assuring us of your prayers for Nancy.  I want to thank you, but I want to update you concerning her health issues  We have definitely been undergoing a lifestyle readjustment.  

Nancy's Illness:

Nancy has PAH (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension). In short the blood pressure to her lungs is too high. (about 4x normal)  The cause of this is an ASD (Atrial Septum Defect) or a hole between the right and left atrium (or upper chambers) of the heart.  This was probably congenital (or from birth).  Nancy has for all of her life got short winded when exercising or doing strenuous work or even when walking.  This hole is probably not new.  Then a complicating factor is for a long time she has had a cough and has something going on to where her volume of air she breaths in is very small.  The Peripheral BP, measured in her arm, is low normal and much of the meds to lower the Pulmonary Pressure also lowers the BP going to the extremities.  Then recently her heart was beating very rapidly with Atrial Fibrillation.

We have many things to be thankful for: 

We certainly are thankful that we have an excellent Pulmonologist who is doing a great job with her.  This doctor is a sub-specialist in Pulmonary Hypertension.  

We lived for 10 years in the mountains of Papua New Guinea.  We are so thankful that she did not experience worsening symptoms while there even though we were living at the mile high elevation.   If she would have gotten sick while in PNG that would have shortened our career.  Then we moved to the Solomon Islands where we served for 15 years.  Now we were working at sea level, a place where her condition could be tolerated.  This move was providential as living at sea level slowed the progress of the disease.  For a period of time she was the school principal and she was very short of breath walking up and down the steep hill on our school/mission campus.  We just felt it "old age" and "out of shape".  The last home assignment we went to Pulmonolgist in the states and at that time the diagnosis was missed.  They didn't suspect PAH and never put the pulse oximeter on her finger.  During that 2013 home assignment her symptoms were so that we were wondering what was wrong.  

I know it was God's will for us to be in the Philippines and if in 2013 PAH would have been diagnosed there is no way we would have returned and would have totally missed the Philippine chapter in our life.  If this disease would have progressed and symptoms worsened while living in the Solomon's we would have been evacuated to Australia and then to the USA.  We returned and soon thereafter were reassigned to the Philippines and were once again living and serving in the mountains.   Nancy soon began to suffer due to the high elevation combined with some pollution from gasoline and diesel engine emissions and burning.  All of those things were affecting Nancy's breathing.  We were thankful the doctor working at the private clinic in the Philippines when we first went was a Pulmonologist. He helped Nancy a lot but he too did not make a diagnosis of PAH.  Nancy was referred to the Cardiologist due to swelling in her legs and heart arrhythmia. The first thing the Cardiology nurse did was put a pulse/oximeter on her finger and then once they saw her low oxygen level, they ran further tests and she was hospitalized for 8 days.  We were thankful we were in the Philippines where we received excellent medical care and also it was inexpensive, at least when comparing it to the USA health care.  We will always be forever grateful to the PNC (Philippine Nazarene College) students and staff who assisted us in cooking meals, visiting, staying with Nancy at hospital, cleaning house, carrying her oxygen tank around, etc. etc. etc.  

Our son Gary was able to make a trip to the Philippines to hand deliver a portable oxygen concentrator so we could travel with Oxygen to the USA.

We are so thankful for the excellent health care insurance provided for us by our employer, The Church of the Nazarene, and for those who support that through the World Evangelism Fund offering.  

We were so thankful for the prayers and words of encouragement from all our family and friends.

Life in the USA:

Once back in the USA we decided to live in the OKC area as that would be near 3 of our 4 children.  Our doctor we had been using was near Dallas. It was a little challenging making an appointment and finding a physician to manage Nancy's care.   We finally went to the Emergency Room as we were told that is the what we needed to do if we truly needed to see a doctor.  Since Nancy problem was heart/lung we went to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital ER. She was then hospitalized.  From that visit she now has both a pulmonologist and cardiologist managing her.  

We've had to make some life style adjustments.  Most of our dates now involve going to the doctor's office, and then going out to eat.  With her PAH she can not tolerate much exertion, and is on an oxygen concentrator.  On our tours we have taken a grandchild with us to assist with Nancy's care.  

We have been renting a house but now have purchased a new home in Bethany, OK.  Our son Geoffrey is overseeing the remodeling and painting of this house.  Pray for us during this time of transition and moving.

Update on Nancy:

Recently we went to the ER again because Nancy was restless, could not sleep, and her heart was racing.  Also her oxygen saturation level was low even while resting.  She was again hospitalized, this time with Atrial Fibrillation.  It took about 2 days before she converted to sinus rhythm.  The drugs she can take is limited due to her PAH. With all of the options there are risks.  She was discharged and returned to her pulmonologist on Friday July 1st. Nancy has been on two highly monitored drugs with serious potential side effects.  One of these drugs is not available from the local pharmacy and Nancy receives a phone consultation regularly from the pharmacist and these drugs are mailed directly to her.  Nancy is going to start taking the third such drug but with this drug the pharmacy rep will visit her at home.  They will titrate the drug dosage until she can no longer tolerate it and then they will go back to the next lower dosage.  

Due to the Pharmacist needing to visit and her condition, Nancy will not be traveling with me on this weekend to Ohio where we are scheduled for the boys and girls camp.  It is questionable or probably doubtful if Nancy can accompany me on the rest of our long distance tours, unless of course the Lord heals her.  Nancy does not do well flying or in high elevations, so definitely any trip that requires mountain driving to arrive, I will have to go alone.  Pray for this final year of home assignment.  I love having my wife by my side.  We have been a team and she has definite strengths that I depend on.  That said the Lord will help me, and our trust is in the Lord.

Servants in HIS Vineyard,

George & Nancy Miller

Happy New Year (Some Photo Highlights from 2015)

Last year Christmas brought us a new baby, our last Grandchild, Micah Mae, born Christmas eve 2014. She is being held here (in the above photo) by our oldest, Zachary, who is now a freshman in College.  Last year was a pretty awesome Christmas and we did not think it would be topped as our whole Miller clan met together at our son Geoffrey's home, and we received such a wonderful gift.

But the reason this post is so late is that the day following Christmas 2015 as our entire clan was together celebrating Christmas at our daughters home near Dallas we were met by a tornado. We were all saved but the house didn't fair too well.  I did not take out comprehensive on our car as it was paid for.  Two broken windows and dings but now it is being repainted to prevent rust.  Leaving the dings to save money and it's a further reminder of the providence of God. So now I would say even though Christmas 2014 was one to remember due to the birth of our Grand daughter, the 2015 will be the most remembered due to the tornado. It for sure made us think about what is truly important in life. We are so thankful for God's protection and providence.

Top photo Front side and bottom Back side of Scott & Gloria's home

Right after Christmas last year I had the privilege of witnessing the restoration and re-marriage of my niece Christina to her husband Bert.  They had been separated and divorced since 2009. This was truly a demonstration of forgiveness and reconciliation.  God is still in the business of healing, restoring, and mending brokenness.

Bert and Christina

Photos of our work

LaTrinidad Nazarene Learning Center (Pre-School Students at Bible Festival)

George at Market (Strawberry Farm)

Lunch with the Chaplain (a fun time for chaplain and students.

My team mates, The Betans at one of competitions

Some visiting students in front of our house

Calisthenics anyone.

Some grade 4 students with teacher and principal

Last Chapel for 2 semester

Lower elementary Chapel

Grade 1 students sharing their action song

Some grade 4 students with teacher and principal

6th Grade sharing in chapel

6th grade girls

Chess Tournament

Chapel Service

With Holy Communion (Lord's Supper)

The LTNLC Staff

Spiritual retreat Seniors (discussion group)

 That last service of the Spiritual retreat for our Senior High School students they wrote down their confessions or anything they wanted to turn loose of in their life and give these to God and then in the bon fire they could symbolically burn these things.

Bon Fire 

The Following are Graduation Photo's

Pre-School

Grade Six

High School

College

Our beautiful campus is rented out for a lot of weddings, retreats and other special events. This following photo is taken at the wedding of one of our own teachers.  In the Cordillera region of the Philippines everyone is invited for the feast.  The saying goes "Where there is smoke, there is fire, where there is fire their is meat, and where there is meat there is a feast. So if you can see the smoke you are invited."  So I went to a number of wedding feasts.

Wedding of Sir Ronald one of our HS teacher.

 The following are photos from a d-VBS (Vacation Bible School)
d stands for district but it is a local church's VBS but they have a district theme.

Canvasing and advertising

The wedding of Abby and Fort where Uncle George and Aunt Nancy received a special invitation.  Uncle George is the Ninong (God-Father)

Ninong George with Nancy and Donna at the Wedding of Abby and Fort
Donna was my Chaplain's assistant and she gave me the invitation to help in their d-VBS and it was there that I met Abby.  It was an honor when I was asked to be a part of her life, even though we are continents away.

Gary visited the Philippines to bring mom her oxygen concentrator,
photo taken at Military Academy

A visit to the weavers

A niece and her sons in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

I trust you enjoy these photos.  Sorry but I didn't have some of the photos I would liked to include.