It was an early start to the morning when my alarm went off, but I was able to finish all preparations and we were on the road at 7am. The trip to Sagay City does not cover a very long distance, but it takes a full two hours. Like most highways in the Philippines, it is very rough and has sections that are not paved. Every conceivable kind of transportation is seen as one travels on these roads – car, tractor, motorbike, buses with massive black clouds of exhaust, trucks of unbelievable variety and antiquity, various peddle-power vehicles, carabao (water buffalo) and even people on foot in the middle of the road. It never ceases to amaze me!
When we got to the venue, we had to change the set-up of room to use the projector. It was a large room on the second floor with windows fully taking up two of the four walls. By rearranging the room, we were able to make the projection of the charts visible. The audience numbered over 100 people. This was a larger crowd than expected, so the cost was again greater than anticipated, but well worth it. About 80% of the people were denominational, the far greater part being denominational preachers and their families. Pentecostals made up at least 75% of that denominational crowd.Jack Jaco started the lectures by leading several songs. I followed
with a lesson on “The Inspiration of Scripture” noting that God chose the very words given in Scripture and did so exactly as He intended. Since God gave it exactly as He intended, man may not change anything about it – it is our pattern for acceptable faith and practice. This started us out on common ground as well as laying the groundwork with principles to be applied later.Jonathan then preached on “The Church in the New Testament” showing that God had it in mind from eternity and gave it exactly as He chose. He dealt with its nature and identity in an overview fashion.
After lunch, I preached all afternoon with Jack leading two songs
between the lessons. My first lesson was on “Holy Living in Christ,” a basic lesson on the moral conduct commanded for Christians. The principles were shown from the Scripture and then specific application was made to show the condemnation of using intoxicants, dancing as well as other forms of lasciviousness, immodest dress, sexual immorality and ungodly speech. The lesson had the dual purpose of exhorting the Christians to be careful in maintain godly lives and showing the denominational crowd that we take seriously our profession of faith beyond the point of initial salvation. During the lessons, many “amens” and other expressions of agreement were abundantly heard from the denominational folks. Jonathan had asked me to preach that lesson and I could quickly see his wisdom in the choice. You could almost see an instant credibility with the crowd as they 
saw we were interested in true spirituality and they were obviously more ready to hear the rest that we had to teach.The second lesson was “Salvation and Saul” showing the truth in contrast to many false ideas of when and how Saul was saved. It refuted many of the common errors concerning salvation like the faith only doctrine, the “altar call religion” concepts of repenting and praying through, the so-called “sinner’s prayer” for salvation, miraculous confirmation of salvation and so forth. The crowd was extremely attentive and following in their Bibles with every passage cited. It was obvious that they were shocked to see some of their most basic beliefs challenged, but they were not offended or repulsed. Instead, they became very sober in their expressions and were seriously considering the points because the Scriptures were so clear in their teaching – especially concerning the essentiality of water baptism in salvation as the point at which our sins are forgiven through the blood of Christ. Toward the end of the lesson, the oldest and most respected of the Pentecostal preachers raised his hand to
ask if I would allow him to say a few things and seek some clarification. It was obvious that he did not agree, but I sensed that he was honestly seeking and not just trying to divert attention from the impact of the truth. We then began an exchange which lasted for almost an hour. Of all the exchanges I have ever had with denominational preachers, this was by far the most fruitful and promising! Yes, the man is confused about the purpose and effect of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but I believe he is honestly searching for the truth and he saw that the Scripture does not support some of his previous concepts. I am as excited about the prospects for future work with this man as I have ever been with anyone!!! He is very influential among the Pentecostals in that whole region and he has opened the door for future discussion with us. His attitude and openness were truly refreshing! I do not believe he is far from the kingdom. Please pray for this man, Richard.Thank you again for reading this report and having concern for the work being done. The Lord willing, we will be with the brethren in Victorias City tomorrow morning for the Lord’s Day worship and then travel to Iloilo. May God bless and keep you in His care.
Brotherly, Harry O.
