As I started this report, I had just finished the last class to close this training effort. It has been a busy time, but I trust it has also been profitable. The students have shown much improvement in their assignments and in their participation. They are weary from a very long and thorough test given by Rody this morning followed by a full day of classes. Tomorrow morning, we have a gathering where many brethren will be present to hear some lessons given and to give the student their certificates of achievement.

The morning class on the Life & Work of the Preacher covered the rest of 2nd Timothy. I gave them some exhortations about being faithful to the Lord and to their work “in season and out of season.” We again talked about the moral purity needed in a preacher’s life in order for his teaching by word to be heard. We discussed the avenues of appeal used by the devil to divert us from faithfulness to the Lord and usefulness in His service.

In between morning and afternoon classes, Rody again went to do the live radio program. We again dealt with the necessity of water baptism for the remission of sins. We showed from Acts 2 that believers in Christ were not told they had done all necessary, but the every one of them were instructed to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. Our friend from yesterday, a Baptist preacher, again sent questions by text over the cell phone saying, and I quote, “FAITH + NOTHING = HEAVEN. FAITH + BAPTISM = HELL.” We took some time comparing this Baptist math with the truth found in James 2. We also dealt with 1 Peter 3:21 some. The vast majority of the audience sending in texts showed great interest and stated their thanks for the help in teaching them as well as their understanding that the Baptist preacher was wrong.

The Church History class covered the Restoration period in America. We noted the principles that led to a return to the pattern of NT Christianity and saw examples of such in numerous people. The point emphasized repeatedly was that restoration is not uniquely American, but uniquely found in those that leave every religious doctrine and practice of man to follow only the teaching of God’s word.

Tonight after supper, we had a little advanced celebration of Rody’s 50th birthday which is actually May 26. I had a cake made in the form of a tomb and we lightheartedly mourned the passing of Rody’s youth. It was a surprise to Rody and the students enjoyed seeing the lighter side of all the teachers. It is not a custom of Filipinos to through such parties, so everyone was laughing and enjoying something they had never seen before. The people at the bakery had never heard of such a cake, but did a good job making it. I failed to Remember that this is predominantly a Catholic country, so there were crosses all around the tomb-cake.

As I went through the day, I noted several things that showed it was definitely time to come home. I brought two ant bait packets to deal with the ever present ants in the hotel room. Upon examination this morning, all of the bait is gone, but the ants are still very much active. I think they enjoyed the food. Another sign, my quota for rice is totally filled. I do not want to see any rice for at least a month after getting home. Seriously, Tessie and the girls have been so good to fix me potatoes several times as well as other foods they know I like. Their cooking is great! It is just the fact that the sight of rice at every meal has reached its fullness with me. Finally, my afternoon walk to the bakery for the cake reminded me that the unique aroma of the Philippine streets is one I have savored sufficiently as well.

The finances for the program were graciously provided by many of you. Several churches and individuals gave funds totaling $4500 to provide for the training program itself. Expenses of over $2900 given for lodging, food and other needs for the three of us teaching in this program have also been met by others of you. Travel expenses have also been fully paid for all involved. After helping as possible with several last minute benevolent needs and other items, it looks like I will not have to dip into the personal funds I brought and may even have between $100 and $200 left over. Again, please understand how much I appreciate your help in this effort.

We need to go pack tonight, so I will close for now. May Lord bless you all as you work in His service and look forward to His coming.

Brotherly, Harry O.