Thank you for praying! On July 25, 2007, Volume 1, Number 1 of the Watters Journal saw the light of day and enabled us to re-establish communication with all who give to us and pray for us Please click on the link below to download and read it. Our thanks to Marion Pounds, Dusty Hanson, and Anna Pedrosa who helped us put everything together and send copies to all on our mailing lists. May every issue of WJ magnify our precious Lord and be a blessing to all who read it!

Watters Journal July 2007

Some people have been asking us for a copy of our 16-page wedding souvenir program but since most of them are based in different parts of the world, we’re opting to post it here Click on the link below to download it. Feel free to use it for God’s glory and the advancement of His kingdom!

Watters-Fernando Wedding Souvenir

Thank you for your patience. We are besieged with requests for photos and an account of the wedding and so, finally, here they are. Since we cannot improve on the email a very dear guest (our “Ninong” Doug Nichols) wrote about the wedding, we decided to print it in full. All praise, glory and honor to our great God and Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

From: “Doug Nichols”
Date: Wed, 9 May 2007 10:17:22 -0800
Subject: Watters-Fernando Wedding; one of the highlights of Philippine Trip
TO: Friends of ACTION
FROM: Doug Nichols, Founder and International Director Emeritus

Dear Friend,

On Saturday, May 5, Margaret and I (with other ACTION missionaries, Filipino pastors, leaders, and friends) were sponsors for Mike Watters and Rebecca Fernando at their wedding in Manila, Philippines.

We have attended many weddings over many years and this one was exceptional in its praise and honor of the Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of God.

Let me list a few things:

1. The Christ-centered ceremony was held in a rented banquet / conference facility as Mike and Rebecca’s Higher Rock Church was too small for the invited guests. Only about 300 were invited to the wedding and reception as the space and budget was limited. The sponsors sat up front while guests were seated at tables.

2. The pastoral team, leaders, and elders led the complete service. The best man and maid of honor did a superb job assisting Mike and Rebecca throughout the wedding. They really worked!

3. When Mike entered the large room filled with guests and begin to make his way to the platform area (so the program could begin), everyone applauded spontaneously out of love and appreciation of this wonderful man. It was quite moving!

4. People attended from throughout the Philippines; people who had come to faith in Christ or were discipled by either Mike or Rebecca.

5. Even though Mike is a mature, godly missionary, he officially requested to meet with the pastors, elders and leaders of the Communion of Christian Ministries (denomination) at their annual leaders fellowship to obtain their blessing and approval of his biblical marriage to Rebecca, who is one of the leaders of several ministries to women, as well as editor of the denomination’s theological magazine, “Faith Walk”.

6. The marriage ceremony was led by senior pastor Bob Amigo who gave a 45-minute Bible exposition on marriage. What a great message (which we hope to print)!

7. The bride was ushered in by her mother and brother to the hymn, “Praise Ye the Lord” sung by the church worship team.

8. The ceremony and reception (8:30am-2pm) was filled with Christ-centered, God-glorifying music. Perhaps 25 hymns and spiritual songs ending with the benediction Jude 24. I thought I had died and gone to heaven several times throughout the wedding, as the music was so majestic and beautiful! The worship team of nearly 20 were at the left and right of the platform throughout the service.

9. About twenty women (all dressed in pink), of all ages, (single and married), took turns testifying to the influence for salvation and discipleship Rebecca had on their lives. Then each approached Rebecca seated at the head table, kissed her and gave her a rose. This was also a very moving and emotional event.

10. Even though the mid-morning reception meal was catered and served professionally, there were probably at least 40 church members and friends who helped with various tasks. Most were divided into committees to make sure all was done well, on time, with joy to the Lord, and for His glory on this happy occasion. I have never personally witnessed so many people helping at such an occasion. The dedicated friends of Mike and Rebecca all served well! Several mentioned to us throughout the reception, “I have never seen a couple with so many friends and from all sectors of society!”

11. At many wedding receptions I have attended, the longer it goes, the sillier it (and people) becomes. Not so at this one. It seemed to become more and more joyous with praise to God.

12. Rebecca and Mike each read a letter they had written, giving praise to God and honor to specific men and women.

13. The printed program was a 16-page booklet! It included the words of several hymns, the vows of Rebecca and Mike and a seven-page presentation of the gospel! Glory to God and praise to His name!

Sincerely in Christ,
Doug Nichols
“Knowing God, taking action” (Daniel 11:32b)

Doug Nichols
Founder and International Director Emeritus
Action International Ministries
PO Box 398, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-0398
(425) 775-4800
nichols.doug@gmail.com
Website: www.actionintl.org
Cambodia :www.actioncambodia.org
Canada :www.actioncanada.net
Philippines :www.actionph.org
Zambia :www.actionzambia.org
Personal: www.dougnichols.org >

By the time you read this, Mike and I would have been married for at least a couple of hours! Thank you so much for making time to be with us and for sharing our joy on this blessed day!

Please stay tuned for an update on the wedding with photos! May the Lord be glorified not only in our wedding but in our marriage and future ministry. To God be the glory!