Lord's Day in Pagadian

Saturday was a long travel day with no preaching schedule. We flew from Tacloban to Cebu and Cebu to Pagadian all on small prop planes. The rides were fairly smooth with the exception of the landing in Pagadian.

My last Lord’s Day in the Philippines this year was spent in Pagadian City. We worshipped with the congregation where much of Jonathan’s family are members. It was great to see brother Ramon Carino and his wonderful wife, Leah, again and have the opportunity to visit with them through the day. Jonathan is one of 13 children born to brother Ramon and sister Leah! All of the children show a great love and respect for their parents and are very attentive to them. In an age where a lack of care for parents is seen as being no problem, it is refreshing to see such care and concern for parents by Christians who take seriously their responsibility. In fact, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren show the same love, respect and care. They are a great family whom I love dearly!

The brethren have built a new building in a different place than when I was here before. They said they began meeting there in July, though it still needs some windows and doors. It was very comfortable for worship. I preached in the first period of worship on “Defeating the Devil” from 1 Peter 5:8-9. Jonathan brought the study in the next part, teaching a part of his lesson on “Why Are People Lost?” The brethren of the congregation showed excellent attention to the lessons and were obviously enthusiastic in their participation in worship offered to the Lord.

After lunch, we came back for an afternoon session wherein I had been requested to preach of the work of elders and related matters. There are five elders serving in the congregation. The lessons were not suggested due to a problem present, but merely for further study and instruction. I preached in the first lesson on “The Work of Elders” showing the terms used, what they suggested about the work and other passages identifying the work of elders. Some time was spent on the Shepherd Psalms as well as other Bible passages talking about the qualities of physical shepherds and drawing parallels to the work of spiritual shepherds in the local church. The second study was on “The Responsibilities of the Local Church to the Elders.” By the time we headed home, it was already getting dark, so it was a full day.

It is difficult bordering on impossible to get a connection good enough to post a report from here in Pagadian. I will probably post reports for the remaining two days here from Manila on Wednesday, the Lord willing.