Sunday in Tuguegarao and Kalinga

Our Lord’s Day labors began at the Metro congregation in Tuguegarao. Rody taught the Bible class. Since it was mostly in their dialect, I was not able to understand enough to give a synopsis. Our worship period followed a very short break. The singing for today was in English as were several of the prayers. I preached on “Striving Together for the Faith” from Philippians 1:27-30. There seemed to be very good attention and interest, but there were no visible responses to the gospel invitation.

After eating another fantastic meal cooked by Tessie and the girls, we were on the road again to Rizal, Kalinga. Brother Rolando Agpoon preaches with the Tagapan congregation there. To get to their place, you must leave the main road and go for about 15 to 20 minutes on a dirt road that had many huge potholes due to the recent typhoons. My back felt every one of them… twice — going and coming back! :-)

They had delayed their worship until 2pm for us to join them. By that time, it was sweltering with not even a stirring of a breeze. Rody did the Bible class in their dialect. At the end of it, he was so drenched with sweat he went to change his shirt in the car. Their worship was all in the dialect except for my sermon. I spoke on “Lessons Learned Too Late” and they seemed to fully understand it despite me preaching in English. At the invitation, there were no responses.

After visiting and having snacks with Rolando, his wife and some of the family in their home, we returned to Tuguegarao. After another great meal at the Gumpad’s home, I returned to my hotel to get ready for tomorrow. The Lord willing, we will again be in Rizal, Kalinga, but working with another congregation where brother Geronimo Genela preaches.