The day
began early as I have not yet gotten on a regular schedule with the change in
time zones. Since I had work to do in getting ready for services today as well
as other work, I was able to get much completed before breakfast and was ready
to go for the 9:00am worship. Kristofer Carino came by to get me for services
with several others including Jhun Carpentero (son of my dear friend Cip who
has gone on to his reward) and Edgar Samadol (known affectionately as “Jehu”
for driving skills like his namesake). It was good to see them all and good to see
all of the brothers and sisters of the congregation meeting in central Cebu
City.
During
the first service, we started from Ezekiel 36:16-21 in a lesson on “Profaning
the Holy Name of God.” Just as in Judah of old, we may profane the holy name of
God by false religion, immoral conduct or excusing those in sin and error. The
second service is normally the time when they break into classes, but all met
together today as they asked me to do a second lesson. For that period, we
examined a study entitled “Along the Road to Emmaus” from Luke 24:13-35. We
drew a likeness between the change in the disciples from being sad and without
hope at the beginning to their zealous, obedient and evangelistic condition at
the end. The lessons were both well received.
Since
our classes start tomorrow and I must get other lessons prepared for later on
this trip, I came back to the hotel, had lunch at the mall next door and have a
full day of work ahead of me. Please excuse this brief report as I need to get
so much done before the classes start.
By way
of updates, my Mom was kept in the hospital both Friday and Saturday nights.
The chest pains appear to have been the result of angina and not a heart
attack. They are adjusting her medication in hopes of stopping the angina that
has been increasing over the past month or so. If all goes well, she hopes to
be released on Sunday afternoon. I have been able to talk with her by phone and
she sounds good, though somewhat tired. I appreciate all the prayers for her
and would ask that you continue to pray for her full recovery.
From
what I understand through Chip Foster, Rody and Tessie Gumpad are to be released
from the hospital in Tuguegarao sometime on Sunday night. Knowing Rody, he will try to get
immediately back to a full schedule, so I have instructed Chip to sit on him
and make him slow down for a few days. The benevolent needs that have arisen
following the recent typhoon has brought brethren to Rody and Tessie’s home on
a continuous basis as they are trying to help the brethren. The burdens they
bear in their attempt to help the brethren during such times is truly beyond
belief. They are examples of people that have sacrificed themselves for the
cause of Christ. Please pray for Rody and Tessie that their health may be
restored and they may find some rest and strength in these difficult times.
Thanks
again for your concern and prayers!
