Chip and I went to Rody and Tessie’s house before services this morning because Tessie wanted to fix us breakfast. It was great and got us off to a good start. Tessie is one of the most deeply caring, loving and hospitable people I have ever known. She spoils all of us who come over here and it is a special treat to be able to be with her and get the uplifting from her infectious smile!
Our Lord’s Day worship with the brethren in Tuguegarao started with a time for singing as we waited on everyone to arrive. (With the vast majority of the members dependent on public transportation via tricycles, time is often beyond their control.) Chip preached for the Bible study hour on “The John 3:16 Believer” showing the contract between a faith unto salvation and a “faith only” that fails to obey or continue in God’s will. The local brethren took charge of the Lord’s Supper observance and did an excellent job. I preached in the final hour on “Defeating the Devil” from 1 Peter 5.
After services and another good meal from Tessie, we drove towards Laoag City. We have decided that Rody needs his own NASCAR or Indy number. Over national highways about the size of our neighborhood streets, we bobbed, weaved, honked, turned on our ear and generally spent more time in fervent prayer as we made our way to Laoag in exceptionally good time. About an hour north of Laoag, Materno Sibayan, Sr., and his son, Matt Jr., met us and carried us the rest of the way here. We are now safe and sore at the hotel and getting ready for bed since we start early in the morning. Lordy Salunga is traveling this way by bus and is due to arrive about midnight. Please pray for his safety. We will have more to report tomorrow, the Lord willing.
Brotherly, Harry O.
