I anticipate a year of breakthrough for 2008. We recently conducted a graduation ceremony for 6 trainees who successfully completed our 6-month church-planting training course. Out of these 6 graduates, 2 have expressed a desire to start a new church in Pastrana, another city in Leyte. They have since started to visit Pastrana and found just 1 other church serving this community of approximately 20,000 people. Through the favour of God, 4 families are receptive to the Gospel and our new workers are starting bible study with them. Children’s Church will also commence in the near future. I plan to visit this new work within the next few weeks, so pray for journey mercy as well as wisdom to help our new church-planters grow the work. Because God has planted us in Region 8 of the Philippines (comprising Leyte and Samar islands), we believe this is our God-given harvest field. Our vision to establish a church in every city and town in this Region remains unchanged and I know the time is ripe for the kingdom of God to be proclaimed and established here.
God has also given us open doors to one of the mountain villages near Tacloban city through our Children’s Church. We know of 2 families in this village who have invited us to start a Children’s ministry this month and we are indeed privileged to do so. Pray that this open door will soon translate into a vibrant community of passionate believers that will radically transform the landscape of this small village. All glory belongs to God.
Children’s Church
The unique quality of the Children’s Church is their heart of worship. They worship God simply and genuinely. When the children (aged 5 to 10 years of age) sing songs of worship to God, the Holy Spirit always moves powerfully in their midst. Every week these little ones worship God with raised hands, closed eyes and tears running down in their cheeks. They are a wonderful reminder of God’s special favour and love.
Youth Ministry
The youth are growing both spiritually and numerically. Every week, about 2 newcomers will give their lives to Christ at their meetings. Youth leaders know how to take the initiative to lead those who come to the altar in the sinners’ prayer and after that to lay hands on them for ministry. These young leaders testify that they felt blessed and encouraged when they see those whom they prayed for get touched by the Holy Spirit.Campus bible study has reaped 10 believers so far. As they grew in numbers, the school administration stopped them from conducting bible studies on school grounds. Undaunted, our youth has resorted to holding bible study groups at the city grandstand, which is a public place.
Last month, we celebrated Valentines’ Day by throwing a party. Many young people came for a night of fun, games and food. Above all, they learnt that God is the source of love and what true love is. This year, we hope to reach and disciple 100 new youths.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support – God bless you all!
