Speaking of the builders…
“A gift opens the door and helps the giver meet important people.” (Proverbs 18:16)
If you want to teach an evangelistic Bible study to construction workers, bring lunch for them! These grateful men enjoyed some chicken, rice, and fried bananas while they learned about the Good Shepherd via the parable of the lost sheep.
BTW, I think all these guys are some of the “important people” the Proverb referred to. They are erecting our church building!
We’ve been ministering to them two or three times a month.
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On most Sunday afternoons, the church in Apayao has Bible studies at my mother-in-law’s house, because she is often not well enough to come to church, and my sister-in-law Mimi needs to stay home and care for her mom. So we bring the Word to them.
We were especially blessed during this meeting because Frances translated—the first time someone other than Gina translated my message into Ilocano—and she did a great job!
Most of our people are fluent in English, but we need translation for the few who are not. When God gives us more people, we plan on having separate English and Ilocano ministries.
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Our cats had four kittens on Philippine-American Friendship Day (July 4). They are a happy family.
MINISTRY IN ANGELES CITY
Long-time friend Phillip Blair, who is an evangelist with a worldwide following (Torch of Christ on YouTube), invited us to join him in Angeles City. After the 14+ hour drive there, we ministered to prostitutes and their customers for some days.
At age 62, I was the bodyguard. 🤣 My job was to protect the preacher, the translator, and the videographer. One of the problems while preaching to prostitutes, pimps, and patrons in Pampanga: This tipsy American passer-by was peeved. He was nit-picking our theology.
Sinners often try to change the subject and find fault with the messenger to avoid conviction of sin. (See John 4:16-20 for a biblical example.) He should have repented of drunkenness and fornication, but he was too busy looking down on us.
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6)
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THE CHURCHES IN DAVAO CITY
I visited Davao City for ten days so that I could join the anniversary, plus make the big announcements. I was delighted to see a ‘full house’ in our new Buhangin church facility.
While it’s true that the room was made more full because our Bacalso congregation was also there for the event, still, I wonder if it won’t be long before we’ll need to move again to a bigger Buhangin building. A good problem to have!
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Also while I was in Davao City, our churches joined with several others for a youth camp. There were over 60 baptisms!
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I really loved seeing our dear friends in Bacalso and in Buhangin again. I taught as many Bible studies as I could during the ten days, including this one in Nathan’s home.
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…And I taught this group on the night before my early-morning flights back to the north of the country. These fine young men are the future of the church in Buhangin.
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“They only heard the report… And they praised God because of me.” (Galatians 1:23-24).
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