Studies in Caba

After a very late and grueling bus ride last night, we would have definitely liked more sleep than was possible this morning. However, the schedule today was very demanding, so we had to get started earlier. The studies today were held at the building of the brethren in Caba, La Union. It was about a 30-40 minute drive south of our hotel. Rody and Tessie Gumpad had arrived a little earlier than we got in last night, coming to help in the work to be done. Rody drove us to the meeting place and we got started a little after 9am. Some brethren from Baguio had made the trip over to hear the lessons. Several said that they would also be in Urdaneta tomorrow, the Lord willing.

Denver Domingo began the meeting with some words of welcome and introduction. Denver was a student in one of the preacher training programs in Tuguegarao. He is well educated and has a high level of ability for his age. Denver has stepped up to take a more active role during a very difficult time. He is a very good man who is badly in need of added support to have the necessary means to meet this added responsibility. Chip Foster started with a lesson on the “Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch.” Lordy Salunga summarized it in the dialect. I then preached on “Create in Me a Clean Heart” from Psalm 51. Lordy the summarized that lesson as well and, then, we had the lunch break.

In less than an hour, we started the afternoon portion of the lectures. Chip started the afternoon studies with a lesson on “Identifying the NT Church.” I then spoke on “Salvation & God’s Word, the Seed” from 1 Peter 1:17-25. Rody Gumpad gave the summary for the lessons and gave some further admonitions. An invitation was extended, but none responded to obey the Lord.

The most difficult part of the day took place outside the lectures. First, early in the day, we received word that one of the preachers from the province of Isabela had committed suicide. We are not yet sure of the circumstances, but we were understandably shocked and saddened. Second, another matter has caused a great deal of concern since I arrived in the Philippines. One of the men who has actively taught the gospel in this area has been found to be living a life of ungodliness while publicly presenting himself as a gospel preacher. He has done much damage to the church in this area and his hypocrisy has caused many to leave the church. His son has stepped up to expose the sin and has taken a greater load in teaching, but it has been very difficult on him and the church. After finishing the lectures, Rody and I talked with this man, his wife and the family. It was a difficult meeting and I frankly doubt that much good was done. Whatever the case, he has done so much harm to the cause of Christ, his family and the name of the congregation that it will take years to rebuild. At this point, he appears unwilling to repent. Please pray for him and especially for his family and the church in this place.

Tomorrow promises to be another difficult day with an early start needed to drive several hours to our morning schedule in Urdaneta. In the afternoon, Chip, Lordy and I will again travel by bus all of the way down to Manila. Please remember us in your prayers.

Brotherly, Harry O.