Farnsworth Forum

Here am I, back from the black hole of cyberspace. Thanks for your patience. We are busy getting ready for our mission trip to Palau from June 5-July 3. We will be accompanying 7 PIBC students in their activities ranging from youth and children's ministry to village evangelism. Please pray for us. Some of the students still do not have the required $800 to participate. If anyone would like to contribute to their need, please let us know. We appreciate your prayers and friendship.

Some of the 48 new citizens repeating the oath of allegiance. Photo courtesy of Pacific Daily News. Today, May 1, 2oo8, Ruth Marisol Farnsworth became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America. The judge began the ceremony by reminding us that it was the 50th Annual Law Day. I am sorry, Dwight D. Eisenhower, but I did not even know that Law Day existed. While as a family we are relieved that our dealings with U.S. immigration are behind us, it does not come without a tinge of sadness. Marisol had to give up her Ecuadorian citizenship, which is a significant loss because it is part of who she is. The U.S. does not allow dual citizenship for Ecuadorians, although it does allow for Canada, Great Britain, Mexico, and some other countries. Still, we remain convinced that U.S. citizenship was the best option for her to avoid future problems in the constantly changing post 9/11 immigration laws. Here we are, one nervous father and two bored children. The ceremony was not, shall ...

Presenting the PIBC Elementary Methods 2 class (Math & Science) on the day of their first rocket launch at Eagle Field. It turned out to be a fun and educational day for all of us. Professor Kathy has done a wonderful job of incorporating creative hands-on activities into her lessons to train Micronesia's future teachers. They've also visited the planetarium and taught local Korean children a regular Friday afternoon science class. Kudos to Kathy and PIBC! Students Benny and Ethel are proud to get their rocket ready for launching. Kathy snaps a picture as Brad sets up the next rocket for launch. Benny points high in the sky. Is he looking for Superman or a stray rocket? The man to the left of Kathy is Bill, a teacher at St. John's High School who helped Kathy's class to run the launch, and he donated the launcher and ignitor to PIBC. Thanks, Bill! Another rocket soars into the air while the excited PIBC students look on! Marisol, Joel, Amelia and PIBC student Jayle...

As we were pulling out of our driveway this morning, I noticed something moving from the area where the car had been parked. We all jumped out of the car and went over to see what it was: a coconut crab. We were all delighted and wanted to share this picture with you. If you want to see one in person, please come visit us in Guam.

Last night after staff prayer meeting Marisol went to find our children who were playing at the house of some of our friends who live on campus. Our lives have been touched by Perry, Joy and Ganya. When she arrived at their house, Amelia was dressed up like a fairy. Look how fast our "little girl" is growing up! Ganya is one of the first friends that Joel made when we first moved to Guam in September 2006. It will be VERY hard to say good-bye to her. The life of missionaries is filled with hellos and good-byes. Joy has been, and IS, a huge asset to PIBC. Marisol and I worked closely with her last year during the PIBC Adventure Club on Wednesday nights. Since then she has served as the Sunday School Coordinator at the Palauan Evangelical Church of Guam and organized one of the best Vacation Bible Schools I have ever seen in my life last summer. Joel and the other kids LOVED it. We will miss her and her family, but we are very happy that they are returning to Palau after she...

This semester I have been unofficial "advisor" to the PIBC students who form part of the University of Guam (UOG) ministry. They travel to UOG every Monday and Wednesday to talk to the students there about spiritual matters and their faith in Jesus Christ. On Saturday our students hosted some of their student contacts from UOG. The event consisted of a short service with singing and sharing, a meal, and a fun time with skits. Here the UOG students perform a very funny skit. The picture does not do it justice. Congratulations to the PIBC ministry team for a job well done!

My Ministry Introduction class experienced an exciting day as we wandered onto Guam Naval Base as guests of the navy chaplains. First we stopped at the chapel, and Chaplain's Assistant Chris showed us around and explained how the chaplain's ministry works in organized weekend meetings. From there we headed over to the port itself and saw the ships and submarines during a tour of the USS Frank Cable, home to 1200 sailors who spend about two years onboard, sometimes in port and sometimes at sea. We posed with (left to right) Chaplain Louis, Chaplain Assistant Paul, and Chaplain Andrew. All of the chaplains and their assistants were very generous and gracious as we asked questions and tried to keep up with them as they gave us a tour of the ship. (Somehow I managed to cut most of Brendan from the picture. Sorry, Brendan!!!) Sarah, Ginny, and Cece wanted to have their picture taken in the captain's chair. . . . . .and again on the far side of the anchor, "the most dangero...