More on the Prison Visit

On March 11, I was able to visit Willey Otey Pastor in the prison facility where he is being held. The charges against him would not even be possible in the US as it was a clear case of self-defense against an armed person entering into his home with the clear intent to harm the family. Willey did the only he could do and was initially cleared. However, when political considerations and the power of political interests entered into the matter, Willey was unjustly imprisoned. Despite the injustice of the situation, Willey has not focused on the wrong done to him, but on his obligation to spread the gospel where he is. I wanted to write an additional report about his work now that I have received pictures of the visit that were cleared by the prison officials. Willey’s brother, Kenneth who is serving as the main coordinator of the prison work, was allowed a camera to take limited pictures during our visit.

We met in the Catholic chapel at the prison facility because they have opened their chapel to the brethren for services without precondition. They were denied use of the “Protestant chapel” by the Protestant chaplain because of Willey and Kenneth’s teaching of truth regarding the church and the plan of salvation. Before being allowed the indoor facility, Willey was teaching under some trees in the compound, regardless of weather.

To this point, there are 30 baptized believers gathering in the Maximum Security section of the prison and another 30 that have just begun meeting in the Medium Security section. Willey is meeting with brethren in a small section of the prison that serves to evaluate incoming inmates before they are permanently housed in one of the main sections of varying security levels. About 15 or so baptized brethren were meeting with Willey at the time of our visit in that evaluation section. Please understand that these men in all three sections have been converted to Christ as a result of Willey’s working with them as they have come through the intake section where incoming inmates stay for about 15 days. (Willey has been assigned to this section permanently with a job of helping in the medical section.)

When I asked Willey what he intends to do after his release, his answer was immediate: “I feel a responsibility to stay and help in this new work!” It is very possible that Willey may be released within the next few months and then there will be a need for some help in support to make his continued work possible in that area. At least for some time, Willey will need to maintain his place in the province where his family can live and where he will spend time working with the church there as well. However, Willey will need some additional help for traveling funds between Manila and his home province as well as funds to live while in Manila. As I can well attest, Manila is much more expensive to live in than are the provinces well removed from Manila. If you would like to have fellowship with Willey in this work, please let me know and I will put you in contact through Willey’s wife or Kenneth Pastor.

Please remember Willey and his family in your prayers daily! There are no words to express what pictures would clearly show if I was allowed to show them regarding his conditions. Yet, Willey’s attitude is very good and his concentration is on the work of the Lord that needs to be done as he is openly thankful for his living circumstances which could have been far worse in one of the permanent sections of the prison. He and his family have my greatest admiration and respect as they go through their trials. Please join me in praying daily that God will deliver them all very soon from this difficult and dangerous time!

Brotherly, Harry O.

Last Day (Hopefully) in Manila

My Sunday was not nearly as busy as I anticipated. Instead of preaching at two congregations, I only preached at one. My voice is still not back to full strength, so it is probably best that arrangements could not be made at multiple places. Most congregations in the area meet at 7am or 8am. It is hard to get to those very distant ones at an early hour. The congregations closest to here are the congregation at the prison where Willey Pastor is and the congregation very near that where Elijah Sikat and Atoy Franco labor. Since permission could not be obtained on short notice to preach at the prison, I worship with the other congregation.

The Southville 3 church meets in the home of Lucio Centeno and his family in Muntinlupe City. The home is in the middle of a densely populated section that seems very migratory. Just feet from their meeting place are open air markets for meats, fish, fruits and other things. The streets are very narrow with each dwelling sharing a wall with those on either side as well as being very close to the ones behind. While preaching, a number of people outside stopped to hear because of it being a foreigner. I preached in the same place several years ago and noticed the same thing. The home is a simple concrete block structure measuring no more than 10 feet by 12 feet. We had 14 meeting there today. Three were visitors who have not obeyed the gospel, but had been invited by Lucio to come for the service. I preached on “Who Can Call God ‘Father’?” from 1 Peter 1:17-25. It was an extended first principles lesson because Elijah had to translate sentence-for-sentence into Tagalog since the audience did not speak English. The brethren said they believe the visitors understood the lesson and a door was opened to further teach. They asked if I could come back for a meeting of two or three days to help evangelize that community by preaching at the public government area.

For lunch, I took Elijah and Atoy out to a KFC at a mall on the way back. We talked some about the work that had been done in the area since I had last been there and of their plans for future work. Atoy reminded me of the funds provided for song books when I last came there. I had forgotten about it, but the song books they had printed were very good. Both Elijah and Atoy are very diligent and zealous in the Lord’s work. It is a joy to work with them. After returning to the hotel, I worked on future sermons to put in PowerPoint that I have used over here when I only had a blackboard with which to illustrate.

I was able to go online to Delta and check-in for the flight tomorrow. That was encouraging as it shows their plans are still for the flight to go as scheduled. Please pray that the flight will be allowed to go as planned. The unexpected extension has been both expensive and exasperating. I am very ready to be home! Thanks again for all who have helped make this effort possible.

Brotherly, Harry O.

A Memorable Day

This day will go down as extremely memorable in numerous ways! It had times of encouragement, joy, sadness, love, tenderness, shock, concern, disappointment and resignation. As I write this report, I am continuing to remember Chip in my prayers as he travels back to the US.

Lordy Salunga came to meet me at the hotel about 7:30am. Jhun Batista was not able to join him because of a change in schedule. Atoy Franco and Elijah Sikat came shortly after that time and we took off for the prison to visit Willey Pastor. We arrived to the prison to meet several others that would join us including Willey’s wife, two brothers and a sister. When we got to the chapel we were allowed to use, Willey was leading about 30 to 40 inmates in singing. I preached for about 45 minutes with Willey doing sentence-for-sentence translation. I preached from the book of Philippians on “Things That Cannot Be Imprisoned,” a lesson of encouragement for the Christians there and appeal to non-Christians of the benefits for those in Christ. Since more teaching about the NT church and the gospel plan of salvation could be done by one preaching in Tagalog, I asked Lordy to preach for the remaining hour. At the end of the service, Willey extended an invitation and two were baptized! Those two will be added to the 70+ brethren meeting in three facilities within that prison complex.

After the service, I had about 30 minutes to talk with Willey and see his living conditions. By the standards of prisons in the Philippines, his living area is extremely good. By the standards most of us would apply, his living condition is extremely harsh and worse than any prison I have seen in the US. He sleeps in a cubbyhole that looks like a very small, short closet. Willey showed it to me with great joy openly expressing his thankfulness for such good accommodations. I have given myself a stiff rebuke for my failure to be thankful for far more.

After dropping Elijah and Lordy to catch their transportation back home, Atoy and I went across Metro Manila to visit Ben Cruz. When we drove up, Ben was sitting at the door waiting for us. His condition appeared much better than I had expected. He was able to stand and could speak with a clear voice that could be easily understood. Ben is having to undergo kidney dialysis every 6 hours and must go to the hospital for a treatment and evaluation once a week. The cost is about $400 each week. Ben has been a great worker for the Lord and continues to teach and encourage, but he is a very humble man who wants no praise. We were able to openly express our love and appreciation for one another as well as stating our common hope of being together forever in heaven. It was an emotional time of both sadness and joy.

As Atoy was taking me back to the hotel, Lordy sent a text telling me about the 8.9 earthquake in Japan. I immediately became concerned about Chip Foster who was due to take off from Tokyo very near the time that the quake hit. I immediately tried to call Chip, but could not get his cell phone. Delta’s website stated that the flight was in the air headed to the US, so I felt relieved. Later, I found out through Lynda Foster that Chip had not made it out, but was stuck on the plane for 5 hours before his flight was cleared to leave. Please remember him as he flies towards the US.

After hearing that Tokyo Narita Airport was closed, I became concerned about my own flight due to fly through Narita tomorrow. To make a long story short, I am stuck here in Manila for two days and am scheduled on a flight from here to Detroit on Monday morning. Though I wish I could see my family sooner, I am grateful that I got the last seat available for Monday and do not have to wait another day. Now, I am faced with something that has never happened to me in ten years of work in the Philippines – two days with no scheduled work at all! Guess it will be a shock to some local congregation when I show up unannounced for Sunday services.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Day 4 - Tuguegarao Lectures End

The last day of our lectures started a little earlier than before due to the shortage of time. Chip preached on “Assurance in God: Knowing That He Will Keep His Promise.” I then gave the last lesson in the series on the family, “Bible Homes: Good & Bad.” Our attendance was still very good, though a few had to return to their homes last night. The building was still almost full today and the interest was excellent. Rody closed the lectures with some additional words of admonition and encouragement.

After the lectures, we had the standard practice among brethren over here following lectures. They call it “Remembrance.” It means that everyone wants to take a photo (at least two) with their families, those from their village, those from the same province and so on. It usually takes a long while and we try to allow time for it. However, we went beyond the time and were hurrying to eat, settle expenses and get on the road. While we hurried to the airport, it was not needed in the end because the plane was delayed – another normal occurrence in planes going to and from Tuguegarao.

As I look back on this lectureship with preachers throughout this area, I am especially encouraged to see the good that I have personally seen accomplished in this area. There is a wealth of young, dedicated and very capable men preaching the gospel throughout this part of the Philippines. At my request, all who attended the Preacher Training Programs (PTP) came to take a picture together. From the first group in 2003 to the latest group in 2010, they have gone throughout the northern half of Luzon establishing new churches, converting lost souls and spreading the seed of the kingdom far and wide. To those of you that have help in making those efforts possible, your gifts and prayers have borne fruit beyond anything I could have imagined! Yes, there have been a few that have gone astray. But the strength, zeal and commitment of the vast majority gives my heart joy beyond expression!

One of the preachers in a remote area of Tabuk brought his son who has a severe deformity of a cleft palate. It makes daily life difficult, especially in the remote areas. The problem can be corrected by surgery, making possible a normal life. Though we did not have the benevolent funds to finance this operation, I wanted to let you all know of the need in case you want to help meet it. I have a signed statement from the doctor saying the cost for the operation is $1,070. My estimate is that $1200 would probably take care of the operation and medicine. If you can help meet that need, you can send funds to me or Rody Gumpad and we will arrange for the surgery to be done and paid for.

We are now in Manila, very thankful again that the plane flew and we did not have to take the bus! Chip and I ate at the Mall of Asia and then said our goodbyes. The Lord willing, he leaves early in the morning for the flight back to the US and I will go with Atoy Franco to visit Wiley Otey Pastor in the prison, then on to see Ben Cruz. Lordy Salunga and Jhun Batista are planning to join Atoy and me as well. When tomorrow’s work is finished, my schedule for this trip will be complete and I will post my last report. Thank you again for your prayers and please keep them going for Chip’s safe travel.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Day 3 - Lectures in Tuguegarao

Chip and I started the morning with the breakfast of champions – coffee and doughnuts! We enjoyed our time talking and getting ready for the day ahead as we have each morning. It has been a true joy to be with him throughout the trip. He has done an excellent job and I appreciate even more his loving heart shown towards this work. Today was his birthday and he thought he slipped it by us all. But I gathered all the Gumpad family after supper and we sang “Happy Birthday” to him.

The third day of the lectures was again well attended and there was very good interest shown by the audience. Rody was preaching when we arrived, continuing his “Survey of Old Testament History.” Chip preached next on “Godly Repentance.” I had the final lesson of the morning on “Teaching & Learning Spirituality in the Home” as the fifth lesson in the family series.

The afternoon session began with Rody teaching the survey class. Chip then brought a study on “Bearing Fruit.” I was given some extra time to preach on “Godly Homes & Godly Living in Christ” dealing with topics on moral issues: intoxicants, modest dress, dancing, sexual immorality, etc. We made specific application and noted how immorality from all of these realms will destroy the home as God intended it to be. Afterwards, Rody gave some extensive admonitions in the dialect.

Following the afternoon session, we had only a short break before we had the mid-week service at the Metro Tuguegarao congregation. Several men led songs, then Robert Rances directed the service. Chip was asked to bring a short lesson which he took from Psalm 116. After the service, we ate and returned to the hotel to work on tomorrow’s lessons and get packed. We check out before going to the lectures tomorrow, preach one lesson each in the morning, and then get to the airport for the flight to Manila. The Lord willing, I will post my next report from the hotel in Manila.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Day 2 - Lectures in Tuguegarao

The second day of our lectures went very well with growing interest and a greater number. Rody began by continuing his series on a “Survey of the Old Testament” and the historical setting. Chip was next to teach on “The Courage of Josiah.” I finished the time with the third lesson of the family series on “Roles of Husbands & Wives.”

The afternoon session began with Rody again speaking on a “Survey of the Old Testament.” Chip’s sermon was on “I Never Knew You” from Matthew 7:21-23. He showed how we can avoid this terrible end. I took a longer period in the afternoon to combine two lessons. The first was on “Roles of Parents, Children & Grandparents.” After concluding that study, we went immediately into “Attitudes for Godly Families.” Rody then gave some emphasis on the teachings in the dialect to clarify and expound on some points so that the audience would understand more fully. I think we are striking a chord that is helping, challenging and encouraging the brethren here. It has been well worth the effort! We ended after 5pm and many of the people left for their homes on the tricycles, jeepneys and other means for long journeys that they will repeat tomorrow.

After supper, we again offered time for a question/answer period. There were many questions tonight on a great variety of subjects. We went well past the allotted time, but answered all questions asked. Rody continued to teach and follow-up on today’s lessons in the dialect after we returned to the hotel.

The weather has been unbelievably pleasant this trip. Only two days in Cebu would be considered “hot” and neither of those was really hot by Philippine standards. Today in Tuguegarao, it is the coolest I have ever felt here! I have delayed writing about the good temperature to this point for fear that I might jinx our good fortune. It is hard to believe this is really Tuguegarao went I am not sweating under 100+ degree heat with 90+% humidity! As we left the building tonight, I would guess that the temperature was around 72 degrees. Sweet!

Thanks again for your concern, prayers and support.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Day 1 - Lectures in Tuguegarao

The Lectures at Metro Tuguegarao got off to a good start today. Rody began the lectures with an 8:30 to 9:30am class on the distinction between the covenants. Chip followed with a lesson on “Characteristics of Jesus” that we should also emulate. I then began my series on the family with “Love: The Foundation to the Family.” When this lectureship was first planned, I had hoped than John Isaac Edwards would be able to be a part of it. At that time, Rody and some of the brethren had asked that John deal with “The Work of the Preacher” while I taught on the “Godly Homes” and Chip be left free to give lessons to edify and encourage the brethren as he saw the need. We miss John not being able to come on the trip and hope that he can come in the future. We had over 100 preachers here today from throughout the northern half of Luzon. Those coming the farthest probably had a drive of 12 to 14 hours one way.

The afternoon session was begun with brother Materno (Mat) Sibayan taking the first hour from 1:30 to 2:30pm. It was great to see Mat and his son, Matt Jr., here from the Laoag City area. When Rody asked Mat to speak, Mat agreed and spoke to the crowd in the dialect giving some excellent teaching. Chip then spoke on “The Conversion of Cornelius.” I finished the afternoon time giving the second part of the family series on “Love & Discipline.”

After supper, we only had 2 questions for the question/answer session, so we answered them and gave the rest of the time to Rody for teaching that he missed when letting Mat take his afternoon slot. We came back to the hotel and are getting ready for tomorrow’s work.

As I sat listening and was up speaking today, I could not help but think about the crowd assembled as a demonstration of the work accomplished in this area since I first came to the area 10 years ago. Rody told us he had committed to have a preacher training effort at his home every year. (Some years, he had two instead of just one.) In the early years, the young men came for a month to have classes that began at 7am and continued until about 9pm with only lunch and supper breaks. After that, they had 3 to 4 hours of study to get ready for the next day. In more recent years, finances have forced the program to be cut back to a little over two weeks. These men developed a fire to preach the gospel and have done so throughout the area. They also built a spirit of teamwork, love and respect that has drawn them together in the work of the Lord. At supper, I leaned over to Rody and said, “Your dream has come true.” In fact, I think it has progressed beyond what he had dreamed. I wish all of you who have helped in these efforts could see the fruit you have helped to bear! Without you, it could not have been done! Thank you so much more than words can express for the good and the growth you have been instrumental in making possible.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Work Starts in Tuguegarao

My last report was on Friday when we left Cebu intending to travel to Tuguegarao, but our flight was canceled, causing us an unexpected stay in Manila. On Saturday, Chip and I went to the airport again to catch an 8:45am flight to Tuguegarao. Upon arrival at the gate, we found it delayed until 9:30am. Then, 9:30 became 10:00, 10:00 became 11:00, 11:00 became noon and we were told they would delay no longer than 1pm without canceling the flight for the day. Fortunately, they called for boarding near 1pm and we were very relieved. Had the flight been canceled again, we would have had no choice but to take a 16-hour, overnight bus from Manila to Tuguegarao. I have done it before and it was sheer misery!

When we arrived in Tuguegarao, Rody and Jun Gumpad were there to meet us. We loaded our luggage and headed immediately to Ilagan. I told Chip to put on his seatbelt and start praying. When Rody took off, Chip understood what I meant. (He said Lynda would have had a heart attack within minutes!) With Jehu Rody driving his chariot furiously, we made it to Ilagan in time for me to preach before the one day meeting ended. A good crowd was present that had heard several of our Filipino brethren preach throughout the day. I spoke on the fact that the seed of the gospel makes Christians and how that contrasts with what the old law made. Several were there who have been troubled and deluded by the “One Eternal Covenant” doctrine of several American non-institutional brethren and several American institutional preachers who work with them. We had a good but brief study and I hope that we will have more opportunities for detailed studies in the future. I have offered to debate the issue if any of those teaching the error have the courage to defend it.

After concluding the lectures in Ilagan, we went next door to Edgar’s house and talked for a little about the work. We then got on the road to return to Tuguegarao for supper at the Gumpad’s house. Tessie did a wonderful job cooking as usual. When we finished supper we went to the hotel, checked in and got settled for the time we will be here. I think I finally got to bed about midnight after studying a while on what I would preach the next day. Needless to say, we enjoyed the sleep, though it was not quite long enough.

The Lord’s Day worship at Metro Tuguegarao started at 8:45 with Chip taking the Bible class hour. He taught on “Speaking Plainly.” I followed in the next hour with a sermon on “The Life of Joseph.” We had a good number present and it was very good to see all of the very familiar faces. This is now the tenth year that I have been coming to Tuguegarao at least once a year.

Following another great lunch, Chip went with Jun Gumpad to Margaurig while I went with Rody and Jay to Managbag. I preached on “The Life of Sanctification” from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7. Rody followed my lesson with a summary in the dialect. There were no responses to the gospel today, though there were individual in both places stating their growing thoughts of obeying the gospel.

Upon getting back, we went to the hotel then back to the Gumpad home for supper. Rody and Tessie have probably been the objects of as much malicious gossip as anyone, yet they continue to live with grace, dignity and faith beyond my ability to express. Their family is a testimony to who they really are and what they are really like. As I sat looking at them show their love to their children and grandchildren, it was obvious that their children and grandchildren both love and respect them. The lives of Rody and Tessie are not easy as they shoulder the burden of great care for the churches throughout this area, but I admire their work in both the church and in their family. I am thankful to count them as dear friends, loved family and co-workers in the kingdom of Christ. I feel the same towards John, Lordy and Jack with whom we worked earlier. May the Lord increase their tribe!

As I finish this report, I know that my brethren in the US are just about to start you worship. While I love the brethren and work taking place here in the Philippines, I miss being with you all and am looking forward to worshipping with you next Lord’s Day. Thank you again for your prayers, support, notes and every act of kindness that makes doing this work so much easier! God bless!

Brotherly, Harry O.

Travel Day

Today was planned as a travel day with no preaching schedule. I was up a little before 5am to finish packing and get breakfast before leaving the hotel at 6:30am. John, Jack and Lordy took us to the Cebu airport where we caught the flight from Cebu to Manila. After a two hour layover, we were to be one a connecting flight from Manila to Tuguegarao. However, after first delaying the flight, it was finally canceled and we had to rebook for tomorrow morning.

After checking into our rooms in a hotel near the airport here in Manila, Chip and I both got some rest in the afternoon before going to eat supper in a mall nearby. We have needed a little rest, so the afternoon nap was very much enjoyed! We have also been mostly silent today as both of our voices were very raspy and throats sore from heavy use.

Since I have no report on results of the preaching, I wanted to pass on some news to brethren who may be helping to support Filipino preachers. When I first started coming to the Philippines about 10 years ago, the exchange rate was fairly constant with 50 to 55 Philippine pesos for one US dollar. The exchange rate on this trip has ranged between 43.40 to 42.80 pesos to the dollar. That amounts to a 20% decrease in buying power just from the exchange rate. The majority of that change in rate has occurred over the last 2 or 3 years. In that same period, prices in the Philippines have increased sharply. Please keep this in mind as you make determination about levels of support when you might have the ability to adjust that level.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Last Day in Cebu

Since we have come to Cebu, the Philippine heat has returned with all of its effects. Yesterday, I maintained my strength fairly well, but today it has really drained me. I am so thankful that Chip Foster is with me on this trip and is sharing the preaching responsibility. I do not think my voice or body could take an all-day schedule like I had in the last trip. Chip has done an excellent job in presenting plain and scriptural lessons in all of these efforts.

The last day of these lectures in Cebu City started even later than they did yesterday due to heavy traffic and other problems. After some singing led by Jack Jaco, we began about an hour behind schedule. I preached on “Salvation & the Seed, God’s Word” followed by “The Inspiration of the Scripture.” Chip then spoke on a topic I did not get to hear since I had to go out of the venue for a while.

After lunch, Roy Matta and Jun Apatan led us in singing at several points to provide Chip and I a little break as both of us were losing our voices. I gave the first lesson on “Who Is a Christian?” Chip went next with a sermon on “What Should We Look for in a Church?” I gave the last lecture on “New Testament Baptism” and then had a short question/answer period. Jonathan Carino then extended the invitation, but none came to obey the gospel. One Catholic man seems very close to obedience and told John that he will be come to services on Sunday. Several others seem to be very near the kingdom as well.

After the lectures, we had supper with an American brother (Sam) originally from Oklahoma City who now lives in Cebu. It was great to see him again and have the opportunity to visit. After supper, Chip and I met with Jonathan, Lordy and Jack to settle all expenses for the trip and the preparations made for it. We then discussed plans for future trips and what should have priority. It was a good discussion, but it went very late.

Since we must be on the road to the airport at 6:30am, I will close this report and start packing, then get to bed. The Lord willing, my next report will be from Tuguegarao. My God bless you all as you serve Him.

Brotherly, Harry O.