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.
