For the last ten years, I have been going to the Philippines in an effort to spread the gospel and help Filipino brethren in their efforts of evangelism and edification. As new doors of opportunity continue to open and work done earlier needs to be built up, I believe there is a continuing need for those who are very familiar with the work to continue in this very fruitful field. The Lord willing, I plan to make my second trip of the year in August and September of this year. Please consider the work planned for this trip.
During my last trip in February and March with Chip Foster, several brethren from other areas traveled some distance to hear the lessons and ask us to help in the work they are doing. Most of this trip is planned in response to those requests. In several past trips, I have visited Dumaguete City on the southern part of Negros, but the efforts there have never flourished as they have on other parts of that island. Brother Mario Rubio requested that I come with several Filipino brethren to help preach in the area where he labors. I am impressed with Mario’s sincerity and ability, and I believe this opportunity may be very fruitful.
To the south of Negros is the large island of Mindanao where we plan efforts in Cagayan de Oro and Pagadian City. Much work has been done previously in both of these places, but there is a continuing need to edify the brethren. My dear friend, the late Cipriano (“Cip”) Carpentero, labored effectively in Cagayan de Oro for years. His son, Jhun, is now preaching in his father’s place and has requested me and several Filipino brethren to help in his efforts. Contact has been made with a preacher in a premillennial “Church of Christ” who is open to further study. This man has seen much digression in those churches due to various institutional and social gospel influences. I plan studies with that preacher privately as well as efforts to edify and strengthen the brethren. Brother Ramon Carino has done a great work in the Pagadian area and has asked me to return there several times. I am planning for my time there to include one Lord’s Day so that I can meet with as many area churches as possible and encourage their continued work of faith.
In recent years, I have given special emphasis to the work in the Visayas and especially on Cebu. By several measures, Cebu City is the most modern and rapidly advancing city in the Philippines. Many foreign companies are flocking to establish businesses there and the population is rapidly increasing. Several churches have been established in and around Cebu City and on other parts of the island. My plan is to preach at two or three of those congregations as well as having a class with the men on more effective reading of the Scripture.
The island of Leyte has also been a part of our efforts in several past trips, but I have not visited there lately. Toward the end of my last trip, I received word of very destructive landslides that affected many brethren there. Fortunately, I had some extra funds from individuals to use as I thought best, so it was put toward those needs. The brethren were very thankful for the help extended and again requested that I return to help edify the congregations on that island.
The last area of work being planned is on the main northern island of Luzon. Lordy Salunga and I plan to fly from Cebu to Angeles City where we will have a day-and-a-half given to lectures for preachers in the area to cover material on early Church History and the beginning departure towards Catholicism. After that, I plan to give a day in Manila working with Willey Otey Pastor and the very large work being done in the prisons there. The Lord willing, brethren Atoy Franco and Kenneth Pastor will accompany us and we will be allowed into both the Medium and Maximum Security sections as well as the Evaluation Section to preach. Good relations with the prison guards have developed giving us the opportunity to preach the gospel to them as well.
During my recent trips, ten to twelve Filipino brethren have accompanied me at various times to help in the work and become familiar with those who would need follow-up teaching. Though I understand it is expensive to take this number of men along (paying expenses for lodging, food and transportation), that is the most effective and economical way for the work to be done in the long run. These efforts must foster teamwork if they are to bear lasting results. Our Filipino brethren do not have the means to open the new doors of opportunity that we can help to open. American brethren do not have the ability to provide sufficient follow-up teaching to bring lasting results in this work. But as we labor together, doing what each can do in planting and watering, God is giving the increase. Brethren, please understand that I know you are also an essential partner in this work as you provide the financial support, prayers and encouragement that make this work possible.
Since I will be the only American on this trip, I estimate that it will cost about $9000. Since my last trip had no excess to help towards this effort, I will need to raise that entire sum. As usual, the 84th Street church here in Oklahoma City will again provide $2500 towards the amount needed. That leaves a balance of $6500 needed for this effort. If you or the church where you are is able to help meet the needs for this trip, 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 this blog. 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 (harryrosborne@live.com) requesting 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
