Today’s schedule took us to the far northwest portion of Luzon, the town of Pagudpud. We first went to the Subec congregation on the north side of Pagudpud. Abraham Aguete labors with that congregation in preaching. Their building is on the main highway, built at the base of a steep hill. Since I was there the last time, a landslide had destroyed the building and it was rebuilt with help we had delivered from individual brethren in the US. It was a relatively cool day since it was very cloudy, so it was more comfortable than a normal day in this area. There were about 150 or more gathered for our morning studies, including members of this congregation as well as other brethren and denominational visitors. A number of the people had come from far up in the mountains.
The first study was on “Holy Living in Christ” from 1 Peter 1:14-17. It dealt with the application of the principle of holiness to various aspects of our lives as Christians. Matt Sibayan, Jr. interpreted the lesson for me again on this occasion. Chip followed by preaching his lesson on the “Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch” from Acts 8. It was an examination of what he did in response to the message of Jesus. Rex Bayaca translated into the Ilocano dialect. Brother Aguete then made some follow-up comments, encouraged those who desired to obey the gospel and led a song. Six souls (5 young ladies and 1 young man) responded and confessed Christ. They were taken with us to the next place where they could be baptized.
After a lunch break, we traveled for a long time into the mountains for our next schedule at the Ayoyo congregation. I had never visited this group, but was glad to meet the members as well as several visitors. Again, even more people had come from further into the mountains to hear the preaching. Since it was a fairly primitive building, it was not conducive to using the computer and projector, so I reverted to chalkboard preaching. I must admit that it still feels more natural to me than using PowerPoint. I preached on “What Happened on Pentecost?” from Acts 2. It was a basic lesson on the example of conversion and an application of the principles to answer what one must do to be saved. At the end of the lesson, a man and woman came to obey the gospel. (I think they were a married couple and she was expecting another child.)
A third place was added to the schedule, so we went next to work with the Nagsurot Burgos congregation. Oscar Gumallaoi regularly preaches with this group that I had last visited about 10 years ago. Chip took the preaching duties at this appointment, giving a lesson on “Borrowed Time.” Gil Caindec did the interpreting for the lesson. Angel Pascua extended the invitation and led the song. One young lady came to be baptized into Christ.
It was a very long day, but very fruitful as well! The temperature was also better today than I have experienced in several years over here -- probably in the mid 80's. (Note the jacket on the man pictured from the second place.) I appreciate all of you that have made this work possible.
Brotherly, Harry O.
