Margosatubig & Pagadian

An internet signal was not readily valuable while in Pagadian, but there is another reason I have delayed reporting on Monday and Tuesday’s activities until I got back to Manila. My hope is that a fuller explanation will minimize concerns which I believe are needless. Leslie has been fully aware of the situation as it unfolded.

When the schedule for this trip was made, it was deemed essential to go to Margosatubig in Zambuanga del Sur. For many years, Ernesto Canon has been a leading proponent of the “One Covenant Doctrine” among Filipino brethren and has been based out of Margosatubig. Ernesto is a follower of two American brethren, Jim Puterbaugh and Wallace Little, who have taught the “One Covenant” doctrine here in the Philippines for years. Bot Hayuhay has also been a helper to those teaching this doctrine. He came about the time I was in the area to hold a meeting in support of Ernesto and those adhering to the “One Covenant” doctrine. As I understand it, about half of the people formerly in the congregation with Ernesto have now left.

The “One Covenant” doctrine denies the “old covenant” of Moses and the “new covenant” of Christ (the Gospel) are two different covenants. I claims they are actually the same “one covenant” that God has always had with all men of all times. The application of the doctrine leads one into numerous inherently sinful practices just as it has in the denominational world that largely denies the distinction between the covenants. Shortly before I started this trip, I was contacted by Neil Canon, a son of Ernesto, as well as other brethren in the area. They all reported that Neil had repudiated the “One Covenant” doctrine of his father and wanted to be restored to a right relationship with the Lord and faithful brethren.

The degree of the division and conflict brought about by the “One Covenant” doctrine and its proponents in this area would be hard to overestimate. Faithful brethren from the Philippines and the U.S. who have preached in this area before have all taught repeated lessons exposing the error and have challenged its proponents for public discussions. The leading ones advancing this error have consistently refused open discussion, instead using deceptive and carnal tactics in their efforts. Let me pause to note that I have never known Neil to be involved in such actions. In fact, he has continued to show openness towards several faithful brethren who have always believed Neil could be reached. That confidence was validated when Neil made it known that he wanted to make clear his change. The character of opposition to truth has also been clearly exposed in very recent days as Neil has been threatened with harm for his stand in repudiating the “One Covenant” doctrine. Brethren in this area thought that it would be helpful for me to come and preach on topics related to “Fellowship,” including how it is extended and restored when broken. That provides part of the backdrop to the situation.

After arriving in Pagadian, however, we had a change in the situation that caused some concerns. Several men in Jonathan’s extended family are present or former police officials. One is presently with the Philippine National Police and was assigned to give an escort to American “missionaries” and an American Catholic priest going to Margosatubig over the past week. They had intelligence from the Muslim rebel quarters suggesting an increased activity in that area as well as a desire to kidnap an American to raise funds by ransom. The police chief for the area asked that we take an escort as well in order to be safe. In an abundance, or OVER-abundance, of caution, we took Jonathan’s nephew who is a PNP officer as an armed escort. We left earlier than expected and I only stayed a little over three hours, giving the two lessons requested. About 120 were in attendance. I then went back to Pagadian by the same escort while Jonathan remained to summarize my sermons into the dialect and to do further teaching. At no time was there even a hint of danger or threat. Jonathan reports that the rest of the day went very well.

On Tuesday, we had all-day lectures at the building where Ramon Carino and other members of Jonathan’s family labor. I started out with a lesson on “When God Answers ‘No’” and Jonathan followed with a sermon on “When the Cock Crew.” After lunch, I preached a lesson on “The Social Gospel and Institutionalism” at the request of the brethren. After that I followed with the two-part lesson on “The Blood of Christ and Salvation of the Sinner.” At about 5pm, I thought we were wrapping up, but we then started a question/answer session that went on for a long time with a variety of subjects. I never got a count on how many were present, but I think the crowd was larger that the 120 of the previous day. It was a good day and I was happy to see many I have known in years past when I went to the area more frequently.

After numerous travel delays, I arrived Manila this afternoon and will have a day of rest tomorrow before returning home on Friday, the Lord willing. This was not a trip with a large number of baptisms, but I think it was very productive. Having the first opportunity to teach in the main city on Masbate Island was a major step forward in sowing the seed in that new field. Though there were no baptisms in Margosatubig, the open doors there for truth are among the most exciting to me. There was also much needed encouragement given to the brethren on Leyte as we returned to focus on preaching the gospel rather than the benevolent needs of the past year. To each one helping by encouragement, prayers and support, please accept my heart-felt gratitude. Jonathan Carino has also asked that I convey his deep thanks as well. Each of you are every bit as essential in this work as any of us that preach. Without you, these efforts would not be possible. God bless and please keep my travels in your prayers.