Doors of opportunity continue to be open for the preaching of the gospel in the Philippines. The trip currently being planned is to take advantage of several opportunities opened from past work and new invitations.
First, we have received more invitations to preach the gospel to groups of denominational preachers and teachers in the Davao area on the southern island of Mindanao. About four years ago, I was invited to speak with a group of denominational leaders and preachers using a “chapel” controlled by the local government in the city center. Many heard the gospel for the first time and it led to numerous invitations for other faithful brethren to teach in the area. Due to the efforts of those brethren, a great number have turned to the gospel in that area and more invitations to teach keep resulting. The Lord willing, I intend to join Ron Halbrook for two lectureships in the Davao area during this trip to follow-up in teaching more denominational preachers who are open to study. After Ron leaves the area, Jonathan Carino and I will remain in Davao to preach at some denominational churches that have extended an invitation for us to teach regarding salvation and the New Testament church. The work in the Davao area has been so fruitful in the last few years that our Filipino brethren have asked that we give an extended time devoted to that area. For that reason, I have agreed to spend over one week there.
Second, the remainder of this trip will be spent in Zamboanga and Cebu, the Lord willing. Though I have not gone to Mindanao for several years due to a greater concentration of my efforts on the Visayas and Luzon, I have wanted to respond to earlier invitations to preach in Zamboanga. For the past two years, our State Department had a travel alert issued for the entire Zamboanga peninsula due to unrest and terrorist concerns. However, after a year of peace in the region and the ease of unrest following the national election, our State Department has lifted all alerts and sees no problem with travel to Zamboanga City itself. Jonathan Carino and I plan to go on the trip to edify and encourage the saints with a full day or a half-day of preaching with brethren in established congregations. The last several days of the trip will be given to preaching on the island of Cebu, especially around Cebu City itself. If sufficient funds are raised, we would like to rent a venue in Cebu City itself for two days of Bible lectures aimed at opening new doors with denominational people who are open to study. We are also planning follow-up efforts in Bogo at the north end of the island.
Since this trip will involve renting venues for the lectures as well as the travel and living expenses for myself and several Filipino brethren who are planning to accompany me, I estimate that it will cost about $9500. Since my January/February trip was over budget by almost $1000, I have no cushion to fall back on and will need to raise that entire sum. The 84th Street church here in Oklahoma City will again provide $2500 towards the amount needed. That leaves a balance of $7000 needed for this effort. Since about $3000 of this amount will go for costs to be met in advance of the trip, I am sending this request at this time. If you or the church where you are is able to help meet the needs for this effort, I would be very grateful.
While in the Philippines, I try to keep those who have an interest in the work informed about how the funds are being used and the work that is being done. Daily reports on the work are sent out to my e-mail list whenever possible and a daily posting with pictures is available on my blog (http://harryosborne.blogspot.com). Since it is becoming increasingly difficult to send large numbers of e-mail out because of restrictions by providers, I am trying to get the blog post arranged for automatic sending to a group. If that can be arranged, I will include you in that group posting. If you do not want to receive the updates, please let me know and I will leave your name off. Every effort is made to keep people involved and informed about the progress and challenges faced in our efforts. If you receive this notice from someone else, but would like to receive the updates, please send me a post requesting to receive the "Philippine Updates" and I will gladly add your name for all future trips. If possible, please pass this request along to others you think may be interested in this work. Thank you again for your kind consideration of this request. Your prayers for this effort would be greatly appreciated. May the Lord bless you as you strive to serve Him.
Brotherly,
Harry Osborne
303 S. Czech Hall Rd.
Tuttle, OK 73089
405-381-9055 (home)
E-mail: harryo@atlinkwifi.com
