Ps Jasmin Collado
National Director, Philippines
LEYTE – Tacloban Church
God is awesome for He chooses the young to confound the old. On the last week of April, Tacloban Church held a youth camp and it made a difference in the lives of the young attendees – both individually and corporately. They are rejuvenated, on fire and energised by the Holy Spirit to reach out to people passionately for Christ. As a vibrant community, they also want to make a difference in the way they worship God and in the way they love others. They are a strong influence for the adults in the congregation.
CAMP ‘N GAMES
Tacloban youth camp
LEYTE – Tanauan Church
In early May, the church held a crusade in Cogon – a village next to where they are located. Praise God, more than 30 people received Jesus into their hearts as their Lord and personal Saviour. Ps Ricardo believes God has a purpose for this village and is praying that through this new outreach, those who made decisions to be believers will really commit their lives to God. Please pray for them as they conduct follow-up and bible studies.
LEYTE – San Miguel Church
One family in the regular bible study groups decided to be water baptised this month! The children’s church is growing and they now have a small group of youths. While Sis Florilin is faithful to the task of conducting home bible studies, she testifies that God is doing small but significant things in the lives of the people. Truly He transforms lives and works beyond what we see.
UNLESS YOU COME LIKE A CHILD
The movers and shakers are the children and youth
LEYTE – Ormoc Church
Thank God that the families in village Cantalib, where Ps Jascinta conducts regular bible studies, are experiencing transformation with genuine testimonies coming from the children! The little ones are on fire for God – they gather every week in the church for prayer where they pray for their families and friends. Through their intercession, they experience God’s work in and around them. Some have also received the gift of tongues. Continue to pray for passion and commitment that not only the children but everyone will testify of having their lives touched and transformed by God.
SAMAR – Calbayog Church & Daughter churches (Trinidad, Migara & Santo Nino)
Santo Nino Church has a breakthrough – from less than 10 members, there are now 18 members! For more than 20 years, many have tried to start a church on this island town, but were unsuccessful. Ps Oscar started a cell group here last year but could not break the attendance barrier of 10 people. He attributes this to religious stronghold as well as its remote location. Workers have to travel to and from the island by boat.
In addition to the increase in the number of believers, 2 members from this little island church have volunteered to undergo Ps Oscar’s discipleship training programme in Calbayog. This breakthrough reveals God’s fatherly heart in not neglecting His own sheep.
CALBAYOG CHURCH Family & community
SAMAR – Catarman and Makiwalo Churches
There were 8 churches in Catarman City when Ps Luke planted a new work here in 2003. According to the locals, although they are the youngest church in this city, they are the fastest growing church today! There are altogether 300 members and attendance continues to multiply in numbers. Ps Luke acknowledges that this is not by human might or wisdom but by the Spirit of the Lord who helps and guides His people in reaching others. This is also the result of your fervent prayers! Please continue to pray for Catarman Church as they plan to purchase a bigger property to accommodate the present number of people that are coming weekly.
SAMAR – Borongan Church
There is now a regular attendance of above 30 members with some weeks having more than 50 people. For almost 2 years Ps Samuel experienced many trials and persecutions and even temptations, but through the grace of God he is faithful and persistent in facing them. He now trains 8 bible study leaders in the church as they are willing to be involved in the ministry. They are taught on spiritual growth and how to have a deeper relationship with God. Ps Samuel and his team of leaders conduct 5 home bible study groups and go house to house for visits and outreach. Please pray for God’s protection over all their coming in and going out.
