Dear Family & Friends,
It?s been one year now since we have returned to the Philippines and though challenging at times, overall it has been an incredible blessing.? We are truly grateful for all of you that pray faithfully for us, for those of you that give of your finances as you are able (especially in difficult economic times), and just for the overall encouragement we receive from many of you in one form or another.
Now on to more exciting news.? Recently I (Smitty) had the privilege of re-visiting the southern Isnag in northern Luzon. 
Since we are currently without a flight program in Luzon this involved an all day hike in both directions.? To learn more about this trip and what God has been teaching me read: Re-visiting the Southern Isnag & check out the new photos on our blog.? God is doing some exciting things and we are blessed to be a part of it as I hope you are too.? Please be in prayer for me as I find more and more opportunities to serve within the local church at MBCC ?(Man. Bible Christian Church) which includes leading a small group men?s discipleship class, organizing fellowship and outreach opportunities as well as providing occasional pulpit supply.? Praise God for how all of this has enhanced culture and language learning but more importantly for the relationships being developed.
Cirena is doing well & she too is excited about the local church that the Lord has given us to minister & serve alongside of.? Cirena has been very active in women?s ministry, teaching a small group ladies discipleship class and also organizing fellowship events (& quite frankly doing a better job of it than I).? Recently the ladies had an excellent day trip for fellowship to Tagaytay, a beautiful mountain setting about 1 ? hours outside of the city.? For FACEBOOK users, check out the pics she posted on her account.? She is also a regular teacher in the Children?s Sunday School program.? Praise God for how she is being used here.
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Our Sheila is doing an excellent job with her 4th grade home-school curriculum.? She is a very diligent & hard working student but she does struggle somewhat with Arithmetic.? Please pray for her in regard to that and for us as parents to have the ability to help beyond what her video teacher is able.? Pray that she will feel especially blessed & loved as we celebrate her 9th birthday on Sept. 28.
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Lord Bless to All,
Robert (Smitty), Cirena, & Sheila Marie Smith
Making Disciples in the Philippines
New Tribes Mission
www.ntm.org/Robert_Smith
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