We started the day with an early breakfast so we could be on the road by 7:30am. Lordy Salunga had arrived late last night from Angeles City after about 10 hours of travel by bus. He will be with us as we travel the rest of the way to Manila. It was great to see Lordy again as he has become a very beloved brother and friend who has selflessly helped in the work of the Lord each time I have asked for his help.
Mat Sibayan, Sr., met us at the hotel and we traveled to Marcos for our first appointment with the Escoda congregation where brother Vic Domingo preaches. Their building is one of the largest in the Philippines and there were about 200 gathered for the studies. In this very rural setting, there are a very large number who have obeyed the Lord and there are several churches throughout the region. I began by preaching a lesson on “Grace, Faith & Obedience” showing that saving faith demands obedience as we meet the conditions to receive God’s grace. Roger Borja interpreted the lesson for me, sentence-by-sentence. Chip followed with a study on “Servants of the Lord” emphasizing the need for Christians to be workers in the cause of Christ. Antonietto Root did the translation for Chip’s sermon. After the lessons, brother Sibayan extended an invitation and eight came to be baptized into Christ. Redentor Nonato took the confessions of those eight.
We went to a nearby stream for the baptisms and another young lady, the daughter of one of the preachers, decided she also wanted to be baptized. They asked me to take her confession and I did so. The younger preachers went out into the stream with these nine and baptized them for the remission of sins. Throughout the morning, a number of the young preachers stepped in to help in all aspects of the work. Freddie Pascua did an excellent job in the song leading. It is good to see so many young men prepared and zealous to help in the work of the Lord. We were able to visit with many of them at lunch (held at the Domingo’s house) and then left for the next schedule.
The afternoon studies were held with the Bumitog congregation where Matt Sibayan, Jr. labors in preaching the word. Brethren from other congregations nearby also joined us for the studies. The small shelter built onto the side of a house was filled and overflowed even the area under the tarp across the front yard, going all of the way to the street. The brother who owns the site for the home and building led the singing and read Scripture from the dialect. I began by preaching on “The Salvation Authorized by Christ” stressing that we can be saved only through the gospel given by Christ. Chip preached on “Blessings in Christ” showing the promises are only received by those who are in Christ. Matt Jr. translated both of our lessons. After both lessons, an invitation was extended for those wanting to obey the gospel. Two young ladies responded to obey the Lord.
Both buildings for our studies today were “open air” – in view of fields, animals and the surroundings of nature. It was a typical, Philippine day with sweltering heat and humidity. There was not a padded seat to be found anywhere – and not even enough basic wooden benches or very small plastic chairs for everyone to sit down. Yet, these brethren patiently studied with us throughout the day and were thankful for the opportunity to do so. My Filipino brethren never cease to encourage me to reassess and increase my own faith and service to the Lord. It is a joy to be with them and I thank all of you for your help in making it possible for me to have a part in this work of preaching the word here in the Philippines!Brotherly, Harry O.
