Report & Address of Charges

Chip and I had an early breakfast with Jonathan and Jack this morning to discuss future plans on work that needs to be done in the Visayas. Due to emergency situations that have arisen over the past several trips, we have not been able to press into areas we had planned to go. Several invitations from denominational and institutional groups have gone unanswered for over a year in some cases. With the success in Tacloban and Manny’s zeal to continue reaching others in the city, we also need to visit this part of Leyte again as soon as possible. Truly, the field is white unto harvest!

We left the hotel about 8:30am for a 10am flight from Tacloban to Manila. Our landing in Manila was delayed by air traffic congestion in the area, but we had plenty of time to make our connecting flight at 2pm to Tuguegarao. We arrived safely about 3pm and were met at the airport by many of the brethren in this area. We then went to our hotel and got settled in before leaving for the 6pm Wednesday evening service with the Metro Tuguegarao congregation.

Rody Gumpad led the singing for the service and they asked me to bring a lesson. We discussed 2 Timothy 1:3-7 on “A Heritage of Faith to a Life of Faith.” It was a blessing to be with all of the Gumpad family as well as the other brethren of the congregation. It was an uplifting time as we joined hearts in worship to our God.

After the service, we ate at the best restaurant in the Philippines – Tessie’s Kitchen!!! As usual, it was fantastic and we enjoyed every bite! After supper, we went back to our hotel where we both needed to do some work in preparation for the Bible lectures that start tomorrow in Tabuk City, Kalinga. It will be a little more than a 2-hour drive and we will be there Thursday and Friday, the Lord willing.

One of the other things I needed to do tonight was check up on a disturbing report, publicly posted on my Facebook page by a young Filipino. I have received word by post and calls that many others have seen the charges made and I think it is best to address them briefly. The young man made three main charges:

• He claimed that we used a human institution to fund the benevolent help delivered last week in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City. The truth is that 100% of the funds were given by churches and individuals specified for that purpose and no human institution provided any of those funds.

• He was upset that food and other provisions were distributed rather than us just giving him and others money. Why he only wanted money is between him and God, but it is clear that the “bounty” Paul delivered in benevolent aid is a term that is inclusive of more than just monetary currency.

• He was upset that he and the preacher working with him to spread this criticism were not giving a leading role in planning and distribution of the relief. The fact that I did not have sufficient confidence in either of them to entrust them with such a task has been confirmed in my mind by their actions. These men used a radio program intended for preaching the gospel to spread their criticisms and charges to an audience of non-Christians. Frankly, their actions disgust me beyond expression.

Please let me assure you that most Filipino brethren to the benevolent help given do NOT share these two men’s attitude! In fact, no one else that I have been able to contact has reacted with anything remotely similar in attitude or content to these two men. Without exception, every brother or sister I have spoken with or heard from has expressed their deepest gratitude and joy at the gracious and loving help from American brethren. To the person, they are absolutely embarrassed by these two individuals who have acted with such unbelievable lack of thanks and total disregard for the facts. They want American brethren to know that these two men do NOT speak for them! Please do not take the actions of these two men as being even remotely representative of the brethren who were helped in this effort. It is not! Every other brother or sister who has been helped in this relief that I have communicated with in any form has profusely expressed their thanks to their loving brethren in the US and have shown great happiness for the provisions they have received.

Thank you again for your continuing prayers and help as we are involved in this effort. Without your joining with us in support and encouragement, we could not carry on this work. Please

continue to ask the Lord to open doors of opportunity for the spread of His word and for us to speak it as we ought. May God bless and keep you all by His tender mercy and grace.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Nine Baptized in Tacloban

There were 73 people gathered for the lectures today – more than were present yesterday. They were again very attentive and studied seriously with us in each lesson.

Chip started the lectures for today with a lesson on “The Silence of the Scripture” showing that the silence of God does not authorize us to act, but it is God’s revealed word that authorizes us to act. I followed with a study on “Who Is a Christian?” We considered the three passages where the word “Christian” is found in the NT and saw the characteristics of those who were Christians in NT times, as well as seeing the contrasting characteristics of those who were not Christians. Jonathan then presented “Does Man Have the Right to His Own Religious Belief & Practice?” The point was to show that we have no right as granted by God to our own beliefs and practices, but must submit to the belief and practice that He commands in His word. After that, we had the lunch break.

After lunch, Chip brought another sermon on “Borrowed Time,” noting that we have no assurance of more time in our lives, but we need to obey God now. An element of humor was added when Chip ended his lesson and went outside to take care of his sinus trouble. One problem, he forgot to turn the wireless microphone off J. I followed with a study that began by considering the relation of “Faith, Grace & Obedience” to re-emphasize the fact that all of these, not just one or two, are involved in the salvation given by God. After covering those points, I transitioned into a short form of a study on “Counting the Cost.” Jonathan gave some closing words of exhortation about “People Who Thought They Were Saved – But Were Lost.”

With these principles set before the audience, an invitation was extended for those who desired to obey the gospel of our Lord. No one came to obey the gospel at that time, but I still believed there was a great opportunity that has opened here in Tacloban. So, I started to answer questions. One concerned whether a woman may be a “pastor” or “leader” of the church. After establishing the fact that pastors, bishops and elders were all the same in the NT and were required to meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, they readily accepted the point.

As I finished that question, several made known their desire to obey the gospel, so Jonathan asked anyone who wanted to obey the gospel to come forward and confess their faith. Nine souls made that decision and came to be baptized into Christ. Needless to say, we rejoiced greatly even as we are sure the angels rejoiced! After the lectures, we also learned that another one was probably going to be baptized when they went to the seashore.

Regarding our non-lecture life, last night was another interesting experience here in the Philippines. It seems that some of the roosters from Tuguegarao have been imported to Tacloban. As those of you reading these reports for several years know, our first hotel in Tuguegarao was next to a field where the fighting cocks were being raised. There we were introduced to Filipino roosters that have some confusion regarding the identification of dawn because they crow all night long! Last night, they were cock-a-doodle-doing constantly – until dawn, when they suddenly went silent. However, these time-challenged roosters were not the only disturbance last night. It seems that every dog in our part of town decided to bark all night as well. It is entirely possible that their howling was the result of the off-key wailing of the constant karaoke “singers” just down the street. (The theory among the bar-goers seems to be that they become better singers the longer they drink. However, having witnessed the testing of that theory, I would like to assure them that it is utterly false.) In addition, a band with loud bass drums made a night of their banging and squawking as well. To top it off, a pig that was being prepared for the main place in a feast was loudly protesting its place in the festivities, squealing like you would not believe! The cacophony of sounds going on last night was not exactly conducive to sleep. This is life in the Philippines! Oh, for my nice, quiet, peaceful place in the Oklahoma countryside!!!

Brotherly, Harry O.

First Day in Tacloban

This morning, we began the two-day lectures in Tacloban on the island of Leyte. The venue that Jonathan secured was a function room at a hotel on the outskirts of town close to the home of brother Manny who was baptized from the work done here last Fall. Manny has been very zealous in seeking to share the gospel since his conversion, having taught his family and others. We have returned to help Manny spread that saving gospel to those whom he has been working to reach and teach. There were 46 registered in the starting attendance during the morning session. By the noon break, there were 63 registered adults in attendance.

Jack Jaco led us in a song to begin the morning session. After a prayer, I began with an introduction to the purpose of the lectures and then discussed the relation of “Salvation and the Word (the Seed)” dealing with the need to return to the simple message of the gospel as the only source for the salvation given by God through Christ. We then considered “How God Used Prophets to Speak His Word.” Chip Foster followed with a lesson on “What Church Shall I Join?” This brought us to the lunch break where we sought the help of our Filipino brethren to assess whether the morning lessons were understood and what lessons we needed to cover in the afternoon session.

Again, we sung a few songs in praise to God as we started the afternoon session and then began our Bible studies. I gave the lesson on “Salvation & Saul” that shows the point at which Saul was saved from his sins – when he was baptized in water for the remission of sins. Chip followed with a lesson on “I Resolve,” showing the need for godly living once one becomes a child of God. Jonathan then presented a lesson in the dialect dealing with fundamental points about the NT church. After that, I preached a short lesson on “Confusing the Issue” showing how the lawyer in Luke 10 tried to divert attention from the clarity of truth by attempting to confuse the requirement of loving his neighbor. We then made application of the same principle seen in man’s attempt to confuse the issue regarding morality, the true church and the plan of salvation. To avoid being diverted from the truth, we need to remain focused on the same thing Jesus stated – “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” The purpose was to reinforce the facts regarding the clarity of God’s word to answer our search for truth if we simply accept its teaching without change.

 

The afternoon session ended with a question/answer period. We had questions on what constitutes acceptable baptism, what saved a Christian must do when he/she sins, the place of women in the NT church and a few others. The audience seemed very attentive, carefully considering each lesson. We hope and pray for good results as the word of God works on the hearts of those present. Please keep these people in your prayers that they may open their hearts to the Lord and obey His will.

Chip and I continue to battle some health issues. Chip’s cold is hanging on, but he continues to do an excellent job in preaching the word. I am feeling much better, though the effects of antibiotics are somewhat unpleasant. We appreciate your continued prayers for us as well.

Brotherly, Harry O.

Benevolence in Cagayan de Oro (Fri, Jan 13)

On Friday, I was again unable to join in the distribution efforts for that day in Cagayan de Oro. After a morning visit to the ER at a local hospital for IV fluids and medication, the doctor instructed me to rest and start the oral antibiotics as soon as possible. Again, Chip Foster went with the Filipino brethren to oversee the benevolent distribution in this area. Chip's report of the day follows: 

On Friday we stayed in Cayagan De Oro traveling to to churches. The first church we went to was the San Simon church of Christ. It was about a 30 minute drive from the central city. There the members were waiting for us and Jun began the distribution. I find it hard to describe the look on their faces and their sense of relief as they receive needed essentials; 48 bags of rice and groceries. Here there were four families that lost their homes in the floods and 14 had their homes flooded. Again Jonathan and Jun were well organized and the distribution went well.

The members here were very grateful for the assistance. I feel privileged to have witnessed this knowing that the glory goes to God as Christians saw the need of brothers and sisters and responded overwhelmingly.

Due to the time schedule we had to leave immediately after and return to Cagayan to go to the Camaman-an church of Christ. Jun preachers at both of these congregations each Sunday. His home church is at Camaman-an and in the afternoon he travels to San Simon to preach.

At Camaman-an the members themselves were instrumental in putting together the grocery bags that were distributed to the many churches.

At Camaman-an 60 bags of rice were distributed. The grocery bags that were also distributed were not available because of an unforeseen need in Iligan. there are funds remaining that will be used to supply this need to those in Camaman-an. Only one house here was flooded. Again the brethren here were grateful for the outpouring of love and support.

Brethren rest assured that the entirety of the funds sent here have been used for the brethren in such great need. Jonathan Carino was left with funds that will go toward rebuilding homes that were lost. At the last count some 25 homes were lost and the rebuilding cost is about $500. This will supply only the basics; a corrugated tin roof, four posts for support, and concrete for the slab. The rest of the building will be up to the individuals. Some may building with cinder blocks and others with a wood type of wall. Again please know that your support and benevolence has been used according to your wishes and as according to God's plan. There are some funds that were set aside for any church building that needed construction and the only one so far is in Mandulog.  

The remainder of the supplies were left at Iligan and Edgar Samodal will disperse it to the remaining churches around Iligan; Kabangahan church of Christ, Tominobo church of Christ, Hanginan church of Christ, Ladi church of Christ, and Malandog church of Christ.

The need for many of our brethren will be great for a long time as many must wait for the trees that were washed to grow again and begin to produce the fruit that is harvested and sold. Please keep these brethren in your prayers as it is so very hard to imagine the hardships they are under.

Report for Iligan City (Thurs, Jan 12)

Due to my illness starting Thursday morning, I was not able to go for the distributions on that day, but was taken to a hotel in town where I stayed until time to go back to Cagayan de Oro. Chip Foster accompanied Jonathan Carino, Edgar Samadal and Jhun Carpentero in the work for that day. Below is Chip's report for the activities of the day:

The past two days have been very trying but very rewarding. Yesterday we traveled to Iligan to the Santiago church of Christ. Jun drove us in the rented van and showed us some of the places that were flooded along the way. I have never personally witnessed the aftermath of any natural disaster so I have few words to truly describe what I have seen.

Bro. Jonathan Carino has been instrumental in organizing the relief efforts and along with Jun Cip and Edgar Samodal and others the relief and aid has gone to the right places and provided necessities to those who desperately need it. The supplies that were to be distributed were sent to the Santiago church in Iligan and then dispersed to the various congregations from there. Simple things like a wok pan and a blanket to toothpaste and rice have been purchased with the funds sent by so many Christians. To those of you who sent aid it has been well spent and has provided those who have both lost little and much comfort.

The first church we went to yesterday was the church of Christ in Mandulog. this church is outside of Iligan in the mountain area. To me it is a jungle. The variety of vegetation is without scale. We drove on a rock infested mud road to get to the congregation. The land is beautiful. When we arrived at the place where the church meets the members were all gathered waiting for us. they had walked through the jungle some for great distances. The new church building was under under construction and this is where the members gathered. The previous building was destroyed by the flood along with the preachers house.

I witnessed the distribution of 51alotments of 25 kilogram bags of rice and small grocery bags filled with necessities. There were also 4 in Mandulog who belongings were washed away and they received others items such as blanket, mosquito net, silverware, plates and glasses, etc.

As I was being told of the flood I had to walk away from the brethren because the tears were to great for me to hold back. I cannot convey to you how desperate the situation is nor can I convey to you the strength of character exhibited by the brethren here. While I am heartbroken at the loss I am so encouraged by faith shown.

After the distribution was completed I was taken to the sight of the church building and preachers house. Nothing remains of these two buildings except for the concrete slab. There was a pile of debris that contained the remnants. The water of the flood was, I am estimating, at least 20 feet deep, probably more.

We went back to Iligan to witness the distribution for the Santiago church of Christ. Here there were 43 bags of rice and groceries distributed. This number also included some members from Buruun. Here there was only 1 washed out home.

Edgar Samodal showed me around the building. The water came rushing through flooding them at about 4-5 feet deep. There were piles of Bibles, songbooks, and classroom material scattered about. The electronic equipment was also destroyed. Again i cannot say enough about the resolve and strength of the brethren here.

Arrived Cagayan de Oro

We left Manila about 2pm on a flight to Cagayan de Oro. Jhun Carpentero met us at the airport and took us on a short tour of a small part of the destruction in this city. Of the 89 “baranguys” (similar to what we would call “precincts”) in this city, 23 had significant damage from the December 16^th floods. The destruction was horrible! One area we saw near a river had over 500 houses built on both sides. None are left there! During the flood, the water was flowing more than 20 feet over the bridge from which we looked down to survey the devastation. I took a picture of the cliff just upstream to show how high the water was and the washout of mud, trees and other debris that made the flood more destructive to all in its path.

At another place on the river, over 5000 are still listed as “missing” from just the section shown in my picture on the blog. One of the people still missing is the little daughter of the woman pictured. The woman is one of our sisters in Christ who lives in this place. Her daughter was to turn 6 on Thursday (Jan. 12). There remains little doubt she has perished and will not see another birthday in this world. As Jhun talked with the woman, she showed us the light pole with a black tie around it at the top. That marks the level the water reached during the flood. At one point in the flood, fifty people were clinging to the top of a mango tree to avoid being swept away. The sister we met was thankful for the food provided through funds sent ahead by brethren in the US and was appreciative of the more substantial supplies that will be made available in the next two days as we pay for the supplies so they can be released. She was standing in the line for supplies being handed out by the government. We saw a few carrying those supplies for that day – it was about the size of a WalMart plastic sack only half full that was given to each family. Jhun told us today was good because many days, the government had no food at all to hand out.

The destruction was obvious all around town. In one of the main areas, water was chest high running through streets, houses and businesses. Fires from burning debris were everywhere. The damage near the rivers was comparable to what I have seen in the wake of an F5 tornado – total destruction. The destruction from the lesser level of flood-water plus the typhoon winds was significant where cement structures were standing, though gutted within and roofing material blown away. Please remember that what I am seeing now is after massive amounts of ongoing cleanup have already taken place. It continued at a steady pace as we viewed the scenes.

As I said, we only had a brief time to see some of the destruction near our path to the hotel. No doubt, we will see more over the next few days. My heart is already broken from what we have seen. Please pray for these people – especially our brothers and sisters in Christ, but also for the terrible suffering so many people here are enduring daily!

I am sorry this report is coming much later than I normally send it out. As I was preparing it last night, I feel asleep from being so exhausted and decided to get up early this morning (Thursday here) in order to send it out. The Lord willing, I will continue reports on the relief tomorrow. Thank you for your help in this effort and your concern for our Filipino brethren!

Brotherly, Harry O.