This was
my last day of preaching for this trip. Since Chip Foster was still not feeling
well, Rody and I had worked out a way we could cover the lectures and then get
to the benevolent distribution afterwards. However, our plans got changed for us
when I was eating breakfast.
Jonathan
Carino called after getting an email from Cebu-Pacific saying the flight that
Chip and I were to take on Wednesday had been canceled just as our Tuesday
flight was a few days before. That put us into a scramble to arrange for
another way to get to Manila. Chip became ill again after he came to the
morning session and he had to lie down until lunch. Rody was talking with the
brethren affected by the typhoon to let me know about the needs in hopes we
could make the process a bit easier for trying to distribute later. Chip was
going to help with that task, but was unable.
After lunch,
Rody had to take Chip to see what arrangements could be made and I took all
lectures with only one break for one song. As for the travel arrangements, we
now have reservations for what is called a “sleeper bus” from Tuguegarao that
will leave Tuesday evening our time and arrive in Manila the next morning. The
trip is usually 12 hours or more by bus, but they claim this one will only be 9
hours as it is a non-stop express. I must admit that, having come over here for
the last 15 years, I have my doubts that this will be anything even close to a
mode of luxury travel. Philippine roads make any travel on them a jarring
experience.
The lectures
went very well. The first lesson was an introduction to the book of Revelation that
included an overview of the entire book. After one song, I used the rest of the
time before lunch to teach on the letters to the seven churches. Rody came in
for the latter part of that lesson and extended an invitation. Three responded
to be baptized. As they were getting prepared for the baptisms, two more
decided to be baptized as well for a total of five.
After
lunch, I taught one lesson wherein I told the story of the Apocalypse while
using PowerPoint charts to paint the “vision” as best as I could. It took about
40 to 45 minutes. I have found it to be a simple way to get the main, simple
lesson across without the confusion of being bogged down in questions about
whether there is a historical counterpart to each figure. I do not believe that
every figure in the book is intended to represent a parallel person or event in
history anymore than every element in a parable was intended to represent
something. Apocalyptic literature was used to convey one main thought. In the
case of this book, it seems a very plain and straightforward point is depicted
– that our Lord and those who serve Him will have victory over any opposition
or source of persecution, regardless of how hopeless the situation may seem
during a time of deep oppression. After another one-song break, we had a good
question/answer session to end our time.
After
the lectures, I went immediately into Rody’s house where we set up a table to
facilitate the distribution of the benevolence. We were able to give some help
every congregation that was asking for assistance due to the destruction
brought by the recent typhoon. Some areas are still flooded and unable to get
out, but our communication with them and witnesses who had seen those areas let
us set aside the amount they believed to be needed as well. Earlier in the day,
we found out about a need of which I was unaware and Rody was as well. The
local preacher (whom I have known and respected) came with several brothers and
sisters from a remote area. They let us know that one faithful brother in
Christ died during the typhoon as he was swept away by the river. His wife was
left as a widow with nothing and no way to buy their food. When it was told,
the brethren present wanted to help this sister and they gave about 3000 pesos
(a little over $65) which I thought was pretty good as most of those present
were very poor. We were able to extend additional help to her from the funds
provided by very generous brethren in the U.S.
I will be sending out a report
by email to those who gave in this effort, but the total I received to distribute
was $10,200 (which was exchanged to 477,800 Philippine pesos). Two witnesses
signed for each portion of the funds to provide a plurality of witnesses to
what was given, its purpose and who was to receive the funds. All of the money
was distributed to those in need and they were profuse in their thanks and
requests that I relate their deep gratitude to the loving brethren in the U.S.
who gave to help them in this time of calamity. All were overwhelmed and deeply
moved by the level of help from their brothers and sisters across the sea. I
also add my deep appreciation for the outpouring of love shown by my brethren
in the U.S.
Please
keep us in your prayers that we might have safety in our travels. The APEC summit
in Manila seems to have the city in near gridlock with many roads closed and a
very high level of security evident. I am not sure I will be able to do the
logistical work I had planned for Thursday, but will give it a try. Chip and I
both are looking forward to flying back home later this week, the Lord willing.
