Fall Update 2025

Dear Friends, As we move toward the end of the year, our hearts are full of gratitude for all that God has been doing in our lives and ministry here in Davao. This year has been especially meaningful because it marks our 20th year serving with SEND International. It’s hard to believe two decades have passed since we first stepped out in faith, trusting God to use our family however He desired. Looking back, we are overwhelmed by His faithfulness through every season—through joys, challenges, transitions, and the many lives we’ve been privileged to walk alongside. These past few months have been full of travel, connection, and opportunities to see God at work in ways both big and small. Even in the middle of leadership responsibilities, family milestones, and the busy holiday season here in the Philippines, we are grateful for the sustaining grace of the Lord and for your prayers that continue to carry us. 2005 → 2025 | 20 Years with SEND International — Following God, Serving Families, Mobilizing Filipinos to the Nations “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.” — Isaiah 52:7 MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS Local Church Ministry & Missions Team Gilmer continues serving as the Missions Pastor at our local church. He is forming and training a church missions team, something we have prayed about for years. A group of men is preparing for a short-term missions trip to Thailand to help The Rubias, our SEND missionaries. This connection between our church and the missionaries they sent out is a beautiful answer to prayer. SEND Women’s Retreat in Thailand Julie was able to attend a SEND women’s retreat, a refreshing time of worship, prayer, and connection. Afterwards she traveled to Singapore and visited Rishell, our Bible school student who joined the Team 4:5 trip last year. SEND Leadership Training in Indonesia Gilmer traveled to Indonesia for SEND Asia leadership training and organizational meetings. (sorry no pictures as many workers are in sensitive areas) He returned encouraged, challenged, and more connected with the broader SEND family. Christmas Season in the Philippines Christmas celebrations began early (as they always do!). Our schedule has been filled with church events, school activities, and family celebrations. We’re also preparing for Josiah’s 18th birthday, a major milestone in Filipino culture. Left to right- We had a fun photo scavenger hunt at the retreat, this was one of the photos- many of the ladies who attended are serving in sensitive areas so I'll stick with the theme verse and you can see our "beautiful" feet. This map represents a missions conference in Cebu that Gilmer attended where Filipinos are partnering and praying for work around the world. Rishell showing us around Singapore and her new Bible School. Many Teen Missions folks will know these guys- Gilmer worked with them for many years! What a fun surprise visit in Indonesia with Steve and Anthony. This last one is a training for church planting pastors in Mindanao (you can find Gilmer sitting in front). FAMILY UPDATES Grandkids Adeline turned one year old! Hard to believe Julie was in the U.S. last year for her birth. Nhaya is expecting baby #2 in February, and Julie will be traveling to help her. Please pray for safety, a healthy delivery, and smooth travel. Caleb Caleb was sworn into the U.S. Air Force last week. He is now in training for seven weeks—please pray as he adjusts. Gilmer will attend his graduation in January. This also falls on our 25th wedding anniversary, but we will celebrate later so we can fully support Caleb. Josiah Loved his time in Kenya on his missions trip with Royal Servants. In case you missed the final update and video he made just click the links. Did great and really enjoyed his last volleyball season. Is working hard on finishing his Senior Year well and preparing for whatever the future brings.  Luke Luke is doing well in middle school and continues to improve. As we prepare for home service next year, please pray for schooling decisions. Top to bottom: Addy's announcing that she's going to be a big sister soon. Jake, Nhaya and Adeline celebrating her 1st birthday. Caleb joined the Air Force, what a blessing to have his Uncles there to send him off when we are so far away.  Luke and some of his friends at youth group. Senior year for Josiah and 7th Grade for Luke. Josiah loved his last season playing volleyball. Luke's a teenager already! Josiah enjoys serving with the youth leaders at our church. LOOKING AHEAD We are entering the final six months of our term. We sense this may be a season where God is preparing us for new steps. Nothing specific yet—we simply ask for prayer as we discern God’s leading. And for housing and transportation during our year in the U.S. MOBILIZING FILIPINOS TO THE NATIONS Many people don’t realize how far-reaching the ministry of Filipino missionaries is. Through the SEND branch in Manila—though our staff is small—Filipino workers are being sent all over the world. Recent mobilization highlights: Missionaries launched into various parts of Southeast Asia.  Workers in Kazakhstan and Timor-Leste And even into regions such as Russia, where the gospel is greatly needed. With so many opportunities and such a small mobilization team, we deeply appreciate your prayers for: New staff, Strength and capacity for our existing team, And wisdom to keep pace with what God is doing. We are sad to say goodbye to our Indian daughters. They have been here for the past 5 years studying in medical school. They graduate next month and we are praying for their upcoming licensure exam and adjustments going back home to India. We will miss them!  PRAYER REQUESTS For the men preparing for the Thailand short-term missions trip For continued growth and unity in our church missions team For Gilmer’s leadership responsibilities in SEND Asia For safe travels and a healthy delivery for Nhaya For Caleb as he goes through Air Force training For housing, transportation, and schooling decisions during home service For wisdom in a season that may involve transitions For more workers to join the mobilization team in Manila Support Online "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." I Cor. 15:58 Serving Him, Gilmer and Julie Paden (Josiah and Luke)