This was another rainy day in Bacolod as we concluded the lectures in this city. John, Lordy, Chip and I met for breakfast to discuss the plans for the day. We had several logistic problems as this was our last day in Bacolod. Since the laundry was running behind in completion and we needed to have it before packing the bags to send by air freight, we had to change our schedule from what was planned the previous day.
There were about 86 present for the lectures today. Jonathan Carino took the first lesson for the morning and taught on the distinction between the covenants. Chip followed with a lesson on “Repentance.” I came in near the end of Chip’s lesson and followed it with a study on “Grace, Faith and Obedience.” We then had the lunch break which was shortened so we could get more teaching done earlier. This was necessary because our flight was made earlier by 30 minutes.
In the afternoon, I preached on “Counting the Cost” so that all considering obedience would give full thought to the consequences that obeying would have on their lives. Jack Jaco followed by extending the invitation of the Lord to obey the gospel. One man came forward to confess Christ and be baptized for the remission of sins. Others are clearly thinking about it and we pray they will have time granted to them to do so before it is too late. [Note: The man at the far left of this picture is the one who obeyed the gospel today.]
We concluded our time with a question/answer period of about one hour. Questions dealing with a wide number of subjects were considered. There were two more questions on the Baptist’s favorite criminal – the thief on the cross. Several dealt with the essentiality of baptism for salvation. Several more came from a man with the United Pentecostals who maintain there is only one person in the Godhead. His questions were answered to the point that the whole audience understood the Bible’s teaching that there are three distinct persons of divine nature and they told him to be quiet if he could not understand. We also had questions on the development of the “canon of Scripture,” the role of women in the church, the use of the term “pastor,” and several other subjects.
When we went to pay for the venue, I was not pleased with the management’s failure to properly deal with our problem from the previous day. They were informed that we would be looking for other facilities to house future lectures. I thought we were fairly secure on costs this trip because we secured contracts for the cost of the venues to be the same as they were on my trip last August. However, the value of the dollar has declined to the Philippine peso by almost 20% which has made the cost in terms of dollars to be increased significantly. Chip and I are watching our costs very carefully and cutting in every way possible. Our Filipino brethren are helping to minimize costs as well.
We made it to the airport with just enough time to check in and board if the flight had been on time. However, it was delayed and the plane has still not arrived as I write this report in the airport. At this point, it will be at least one hour late. We hope it will not be much delayed because we will not get to eat until we arrive in Cebu. The flight from Bacolod to Cebu is very short – about 30 minutes or less.
As I finish this last paragraph, we have made it safely to Cebu where we start new lectures in the morning, the Lord willing. Thanks again for you prayers and concern for this work.
Brotherly, Harry O.
