Lynette Orange: November 2026 Newsletter

A Season of Change, Continued Calling & New Opportunities

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." – Proverbs 16:9

Dear Friends

First of all, a huge thank you! Your continued prayers, financial support, encouragement and messages have meant so much. In particular, thank you for the kindness and concern you have shown towards Dad and our family. Your understanding and support during what has been a difficult and uncertain season have been a real blessing.

Sometimes life takes us in directions we hadn't planned or expected. Yet even when our circumstances change, God remains faithful. We may not see the whole picture, but we can trust Him to guide our steps, open new doors and continue His work through us, wherever we find ourselves.

This is very much the heart of this update – a different season, a different location, but the same calling and the same faithful God.

Family circumstances – a change of season

As many of you know, Dad's diagnosis has now moved to a palliative stage. After much consideration and conversations with Pastor Glenn, the CGA Board and Elim Missions, we have agreed that I need to remain in the UK for the foreseeable future. At this stage, there is no defined timescale, and being here means I can support Dad and be alongside my family during this time.

Although this means a change in where I am based, it does not mean a change in my commitment to City Gates Academy or the work in the Philippines.

CGA – the work continues!

I remain fully involved in the Academy, and I am pleased to say that things are working well. Through regular online meetings and communication with the leadership team, I continue to provide support in key areas, including:

• Curriculum development and implementation.
• DepEd requirements, compliance and school administration.
• Staff support and leadership development
• Developing partnerships and fundraising opportunities.

It has been encouraging to see how effectively we have adapted to working across the distance. The Academy continues to move forward, and I remain committed to supporting its vision, staff and students.

Unexpected blessings and new opportunities

One unexpected blessing of being based in the UK is the opportunity to develop relationships and connections that might otherwise have been more difficult. I have been able to explore additional fundraising opportunities, build new partnerships and connect with people who have a heart for the work of City Gates Academy. I have recently spoken in churches, rotary clubs, home groups and exploring connections with businesses. Recently, we had 11 laptops donated to the Academy - a huge blessing.

Sometimes a change in circumstances opens doors we hadn't anticipated, and I am excited about what these new connections could mean for the future of the Academy.

A new working arrangement

There are also some practical realities to consider. Maintaining commitments in two countries, alongside the increased cost of living in the UK, has meant looking at ways to create a more sustainable financial arrangement.

I have therefore taken on a hybrid administrative position, part-time, at Elim Headquarters in Malvern. This involves working from home, with one day a week in the office. The flexibility is particularly important as it allows me to be available to help at home whilst providing some additional financial stability.

It also means I can continue my involvement with CGA and, importantly, plan to travel to the Philippines at least twice a year to spend time with the team, provide support and maintain those important relationships.

Continuing the journey together

I recognise that this is different from what we may originally have envisaged when I began this season of home assignment. I am incredibly grateful for your understanding, patience and continued willingness to support me.

I would love you to continue on this journey with me under this new arrangement. Your financial support remains incredibly important, enabling me to maintain my involvement with City Gates Academy and continue investing in the lives of the children, families and staff.

The intention is to review this arrangement in the summer of 2027, taking into consideration family circumstances, the needs of the Academy and the wider mission.

Thank you for being part of the story!

I am continually reminded that God's calling doesn't always take us along the path we expect. Sometimes circumstances change, plans look different and new opportunities emerge, but the purpose remains.

Thank you for continuing to stand with me, pray with me and invest in the work of City Gates Academy. I don't take your partnership for granted, and I am excited to see what God will continue to do in this next season.

With heartfelt thanks and blessings,

Lynette

Prayer and Thanksgiving

• Thank God for His faithfulness, strength and peace for our family during Dad's illness.
• Give thanks for CGA's continued progress, dedicated staff and new partnership opportunities.
• Pray for Dad's comfort and peace, and strength for our family in the days ahead.
• Pray for wisdom in working for CGA remotely, and continued provision and opportunities for the Academy to grow.

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