On Saturday, Kristine and Nanette Carino came to pick me up at the hotel and take me to the airport for the flight to Puerto Princesa on Palawan. Jonathan was sick and unable to come. Please keep him in your prayers for a swift recovery. The flight was on time and smooth. It took about an hour from take-off to touchdown.
In my 23+ years of working in the Philippines, this is my first time to visit the island of Palawan. The island is very long and narrow as the picture on my blog shows. From the airplane window, the approach to the airport was beautiful with distinct shades of blue water, lush vegetation and an abundance of color from a large variety of flowers. Upon arrival, it reminded me a great deal of Hawaii with flowers everywhere.
Dario Belviz met me at the airport with his wife and several members of the local church in Puerto Princesa. One of the elders serving with Dario as shepherds of the church. We had a good conversation on the short ride from the airport to the hotel. They told me they would be back to pick me up around 9am Sunday so we could make the 15-minute ride to the church building and be ready to begin the worship service at 9:30.
After a short breakfast at the hotel, I met brother Belviz and we made our way to the church building. It was well off of the main city streets as we turned on to 2 or 3 narrow, dirt roads to make our way back to the final dirt paths too narrow for any vehicle. So, we walked the last 30 to 40 yards to the church building which is also the residence of Dario and his family.
Our services began with the regular morning assembly of worship. The congregation seemed to be comprised of a larger portion of younger people and a much smaller percentage of elderly members. I very much appreciated the reverence and enthusiasm of the worship and was asked to preach in that period as well as the Bible class period that followed. During the first hour, I preached from 1 Peter 5:8-9 on “Defeating the Devil.” Immediately after the first hour, we moved into the Bible class period. I preached from Luke 16:19-31 regarding the rich man and Lazarus as we considered “Things a Lost Man Learned Too Late.” Charts for both lessons are posted at the end of today’s blog entry.
Please remember our remaining effort here on Palawan in teaching the book of Hebrews to preachers who will be gathered from Tuesday to Friday of this week, the Lord willing. I would also appreciate your prayers for me as I am have a great deal of pain and function of my right leg. It started when I rose from a chair last Thursday and has gotten progressively worse daily. Thanks again for your support and concern in this work. God bless!
Brotherly, Harry
Charts: "Defeating the Devil"
Charts: "Things a Lost Man Learned Too Late"
