Sorry for the delay in the posting of this blog. Philip and Remy just got back for a month-long mission trip to the Philippines on March 12, 2007. The rest of the group left Feb 26, 27, and March 1st. The group went to the Philippines on Feb 12 with 3 layovers (Minneapolis - Detroit - Nagoya, Japan). It was a long trip (28 hours with layovers) but we made it safely. There's a group of 6 of us (minus Darrell Oakley) who went first since he did not get his passport on time. We got there Feb 13th late at night and by the time we got to the condo it was already Feb 14th early morning (around 1 am). We were met by a group from Cubao church of Christ and we're happy to see them. With all the jet lags and time changes, it was a challenge for us to adjust to the new time and culture. We went to work that night on different churches for their devotional. Larry and Brandon Crosby went to Muntinlupa church (with Greg getting them from the Condo) and Gabriel Yankey spoke at Marikina church for their devotional while the rest of us met the children and brethren over at the Marikina church.
Feb 15th, is our tour around Manila area. The group visited the Manila School of Evangelism where they house single student preachers and teach them to be future preachers for the Lord. It was a great visit with Felipe Cariaga (head of the preaching school), the students, and the missionaries. We, then, proceeded to see the sights around the city and enjoyed the sceneries around. One thing for sure is the traffic is endless! We also shopped for food items in a grocery store for the relief mission in Bicol. We were also invited by some brethren from Marikina to eat dinner with them at the "Palaisdaan sa Dampa", a Filipino term meaning Fishery at the Hut. We ate a lot of seafood including seaweed and squid! It is a full day but it was fun!
On Feb. 16th, Larry and Greg went to Muntinlupa to visit church members and did some home Bible studies while the rest of the group packed the relief goods that we bought the day before, distributed tracts, visited church members, and invited people in nearby places for the gospel meeting on Saturday, Feb. 17th. We went to a depressed area where we saw eager people and kids to come study God's Words. It was such a blessing to see these happy people in spite of their hardship in life! Also that night, we went to attend a funeral of a 9-year old boy(he attended our children's class 2 years ago). He fell from the stairs head on first which I call "death trap house". Their living condition is beyond compare that I think is avoidable if they have the resources to fix the house. He is in God's hands now and the Lord knows best.
Feb. 17th is really a busy day for all of us. Larry, Gabriel, Brandon, Philip and I went to the university to be part of the campus ministry. Gabriel spoke about "Love, Courtship, and Marriage" while Larry spoke about "Family Values". There were around 140 college students that listened to the lectureship. Brandon, Philip, and I were in-charged of the sign-up table and handed them some WBS tracts and surveys. It was a great afternoon since the students learned on how to deal with families the Christian way. Gabriel, Philip, and I proceeded to Marikina church to conduct the gospel meeting. Andrea taught around 120 kids for the childrens' day. It was amazing on how the kids are so enthusiastic in learning the Word of God! As a result of the gospel meeting, 2 precious souls came forward to accept Christ as their Saviour. Aimee is Bible student of Danni and constant church goer in Marikina. Patrice, who is my niece, also put on Christ in baptism. We've been communicating through e-mails over the years and she decided to finally give herself to the Lord! What a blessing for me to see one of my relatives accept Christ in her life.
On Feb. 16th, Larry and Greg went to Muntinlupa to visit church members and did some home Bible studies while the rest of the group packed the relief goods that we bought the day before, distributed tracts, visited church members, and invited people in nearby places for the gospel meeting on Saturday, Feb. 17th. We went to a depressed area where we saw eager people and kids to come study God's Words. It was such a blessing to see these happy people in spite of their hardship in life! Also that night, we went to attend a funeral of a 9-year old boy(he attended our children's class 2 years ago). He fell from the stairs head on first which I call "death trap house". Their living condition is beyond compare that I think is avoidable if they have the resources to fix the house. He is in God's hands now and the Lord knows best.
Feb. 17th is really a busy day for all of us. Larry, Gabriel, Brandon, Philip and I went to the university to be part of the campus ministry. Gabriel spoke about "Love, Courtship, and Marriage" while Larry spoke about "Family Values". There were around 140 college students that listened to the lectureship. Brandon, Philip, and I were in-charged of the sign-up table and handed them some WBS tracts and surveys. It was a great afternoon since the students learned on how to deal with families the Christian way. Gabriel, Philip, and I proceeded to Marikina church to conduct the gospel meeting. Andrea taught around 120 kids for the childrens' day. It was amazing on how the kids are so enthusiastic in learning the Word of God! As a result of the gospel meeting, 2 precious souls came forward to accept Christ as their Saviour. Aimee is Bible student of Danni and constant church goer in Marikina. Patrice, who is my niece, also put on Christ in baptism. We've been communicating through e-mails over the years and she decided to finally give herself to the Lord! What a blessing for me to see one of my relatives accept Christ in her life.
On Feb. 18th, Larry, Brandon, Philip, and I went to Muntinlupa church to worship with them while Gabriel preached at Cainta church. It was so nice to see other Christians in that area and see how the Lord is blessing the church. We had good fellowship meal after church. I taught the Ladies Class - "Created to be His Help Meet" and Larry taught the Men's Class about "Leadership". After Class, we have another meal! We just keep eating and eating! (one of the Filipino culture about being hospitable). Also seen in the picture is their library of books provided by Northside church (were sent to them 2 years ago).
Out-of-Town Trip Begins:
Feb. 19th We started our journey 5 am in the morning for a 12-hour trip to Bicol. There were 16 of us travelling including the drivers. We started the day with a prayer. We hired 2 vans (15-passenger seats) - one for the relief goods that we're bringing and one for all the passengers. Along the way, we saw some wondrous creations of the Lord - from oceans to mountains and countryside rice fields. How wonderful God has made them all! We stopped by Naga church of Christ. They are gracious enough to host dinner for us. Such wonderful visit with Christians in that area. We got to the motel around 7 pm and had our devotional before heading to bed.
Feb. 19th We started our journey 5 am in the morning for a 12-hour trip to Bicol. There were 16 of us travelling including the drivers. We started the day with a prayer. We hired 2 vans (15-passenger seats) - one for the relief goods that we're bringing and one for all the passengers. Along the way, we saw some wondrous creations of the Lord - from oceans to mountains and countryside rice fields. How wonderful God has made them all! We stopped by Naga church of Christ. They are gracious enough to host dinner for us. Such wonderful visit with Christians in that area. We got to the motel around 7 pm and had our devotional before heading to bed.
Feb. 20th We woke up early in the morning with a sight of this breathtaking volcano called "Mayon". It is such an experience seeing how God created such beautiful but powerful volcano. Mayon is one of the wonders of the world for its almost perfect cone! We prayed before we went to give a little joy to those who were devastated by this powerful creation! There were 2 barangays (small towns) where we went to unload the sacks of food and clothing - Barangay Bacacay and Bogtong. With the destruction comes hope! Two churches were established on these places. With the small help we can give them, 5 souls followed Christ. It shows that God works in the hearts of those who are willing to obey Him. With such an experience, we come to realize that we really need to share God's word even more to those who don't know Him because our lives can be taken any time, any place. With those who survived, life goes on. Please see pictures of those makeshift housing (a house that used to be a pig pen) and one that they cleaned the sand around the houses. We can't imagine living that way but to them that is their home and the only thing left that they possess here on earth.
Feb 21st We started our day early for another travel to Batangas City. (I did not sleep well last night thinking about those people that are left behind by their families and how they will survive after the calamity. I think of their precious souls and how we can reach out more. I know the Lord has plans for us but I know we can do better in spreading the gospel to them and I believe that the Lord is using each of us to be a minister to them in even a small way). It is a 10-hour drive this time. It is 2-hour drive south of Manila. The brethren over in Lipa City, Batangas met us together with Darrell Oakley who finally made it the day before. We're glad to have him on board. We ate at McDonald (yeah to the All American favorites) and headed to the hotel for a night rest. We had our devotional that night and some of us enjoyed the facilities but others hit the sack early.
Feb 22nd We were invited for a breakfast meal at the brethren's house before heading north to Baguio City. Every meal seems to be a feast! They are so accommodating that you feel the Christian love in them. Everybody is so hospitable. After breakfast, we went to see the place where one of their outreach churches was. We unloaded another 50 sacks of food for the poor brehtren in that area. They were happy to receive the goods that we brought them. Just a small help we can give them. We then, headed north to Angeles church of Christ where the Philippine Bible Institute is located. We got to visit with the students and teachers over there for an hour. We left headed for a 6-hour drive to the mountains. We arrived in Baguio City around midnight and went to bed.
Feb. 23rd Early morning cool breeze is a refreshing welcome to us (Wow! It is cooler here - maybe around 50-60 degrees F at night and around 70 F in the daytime). A total change of hot and humid weather that we got used to for a week. Erwin Panday, a minister of one of the churches over there met us at Burham Park and immediately put us to work. We distributed World Bible School tracts to the people around the park and asked if they would like to sign up for Bible study courses. There were thousands of people at the park that day since it is the "Panagbenga Festival" which means Flower Festival. We met a lot of people and signed up as many as we can. Our group was so privileged to meet the church over there with their enthusiasm is spreading God's Word. We really encouraged by them. After lunch, we have a chance to shop for native products around the area. There were many handcrafts that were made by the native people over there. Around 4 or 5 in the afternoon, we headed to the Baguio School of Preaching where we met some more students and the guys set up the pingpong table and played until 8 at night. We had our devotional at 9 pm and went to bed after that. Lights out!
Feb 24th All set to go back to Manila early in the morning. We went to go back down to Manila around 8 am. We stopped at Kennon Road Lion's Rotary Club where a face of a Lion and sceneries of the mountains are. Also, for last minute shopping for those who has not shopped the day before. On our way down, we wanted to stop by a beach area. We accidentally stopped by San Fabian Church of Christ and they accommodated us quickly for breakfast! It was a treat to see thema nd fellowship with them. They have a preaching school and we met the students and showed us their building and what they do over there. At the back of the house is the Pacific Ocean. Brandon and Philip immediately searched for shells or anything they can find in the beach. Unfortunately, it is not so conducive for swimming. We stayed there until noon and headed back to Manila. We got to the condo around 6 pm and rested the rest of the day.
Feb. 25th It is worship time! Gabriel was picked up by Sonny Catalan to preach in Antipolo church. Greg Gallardo picked up Darrell Oakley to preach and teach in Muntinlupa church while the rest of us went to Marikina church. Larry Crosby preached the morning service while Andrea McMinn taught the children while Brandon and Philip assisted her with the other memebers of the church. We had a lunch fellowship after that and Remy taught the ladies about prayers in the afternoon. The rest of the day is a"free day" for the rest of us while Darrell and Gabriel did some more teaching and visiting members. We learned that another soul from Muntinlupa church submitted herself to the Lord and Darrell has the privilege to baptize Adela Borja. It was a great day for all of us!
Feb. 26th Larry & Brandon Crosby and Andrea McMinn left for the airport at 2 am for their 7:30 am flight. Danni de Vera and Remy Kingsley took them to the airport. Around 9 am, Gabriel Yankey and Remy Kingsley went to Angeles City church of Christ for the Philippine Mission Workshop. Unfortunately, Darrell can't make it since he was sick. He stayed at the condo to recuperate. The workshop was uplifting for us seeing all the brethren in the Philippines being united to glorify God. After we sang songs of praise, the leaders discussed about facts on growth of the churches of Christ in the Philippines and how they can improve it. They also broke us into groups and discussed how we are blessed in our ministries. It was so neat to see how the Lord is working in each of the ministries we are in. The fun part is getting to know different Christians from different places. One thing for sure is that we serve the same God that love and provide for us wherever we are. Gabriel and Remy left around 5 pm and was glad to see Darrell feel better.
Feb. 27th Gabriel left at 2 am for his 7:30 am flight. Danni de Vera took him to the airport. We said goodbye to him the night before so we can have a little bit of a rest that night. Darrell, Remy, and Philip continued the work in the morning. They went to see James and his family to give them some things. James, is a 12-year old boy who has not been in school because he is poor. He lives in a landfill turned into housing. He lives with 2 more of his sibling and his parents in a 12 feet by 6 feet makeshift housing. One day, he was invited by a church member from Marikina church of Christ to attend Sunday school. He was so enthusiastice about hearing it that he invited some more of his friends. From then on, he invites a crowd full of kids and they walk 3 miles and stop along the way to invite more of his friends to go to church with him. They are there every Sunday before 9 am ready to listen to the Word. The church touched by him and his leadership that they are going to send him to school and we pray that he'll be a good leader of the church someday. After visiting them, we went to visit some more brethren and gave some things for them. It was an emotional day for us to see how happy they are for the little we can give them. God is good. He provides every little things we need here on earth.
Feb. 28th Darrell's last day in the Philippines so we treated him by riding the jeepney and tricycle rides. It was an experience for him. We then met a sister-in-Christ that's needing advice. We tried to counsel her and we pray that it helped her in her decisions to live for Christ. At around 6:30 pm, Danni de Vera picked us up to go the devotional at Cubao church. Darrell shared about "Loving Each Other". It was a very good, convicting topic. We went home around 8 pm.The day went so fast. Around 10 pm, Greg and Fe Gallardo, arrived at the condo and visited some more with us. They took Darrell to the airport at 2 am for his 7:30 am flight the following day.
March 1st Remy studied with her aunt about the gospel when she woke up in the morning. It was a great joy whe she decided to put on Christ in baptism. Danni de Vera, a preacher from Cubao baptized her at the condo pool. My brother together with other members of the Marikina and Cubao church attended this wonderful day! My aunt has been a great help to us over the years whenever we visit. She saw the lives that we live and we communicate once in a while through phone or letters. God has plans for her life and we're happy that she obeyed Christ. She is 68 years old.
March 2-4 Philip and Remy went to Davao City to visit Remy's friends on March 2nd. It is in the southern island of the Philippines. They were hosted by the Christians over there for a night. They appreciated their hospitality.They flew to Cebu the next day (which is the middle island of the Philippines) to visit her missionary friends. They were met by Bernie Cal and company (Christian teachers for the school there). They got to stay at the Cariagas' house. Remy has been communicating with them for several years now and this is the first time to meet them personally. Philip enjoyed playing with Luke, their 13-year old son. They were so accommodating that we felt at home.
On March 4th, Sunday, we worshipped with the Christians over there. The singing was great and we really enjoyed fellowshipping wih them. I taught the ladies class and presented them a book "Created to be his Help Meet" by Debi Pearl for their library. We also met the orphans who lost their parents from a mudslide in Leyte (another island south of Luzon) 2 years ago. We felt their pain but we know they are here for a reason. They are now living and studying in Butuan City where Sunrise Christian College is located(a church of Christ College). We went back to Manila that afternoon.
This has been a good experience for all of us. We have touched so many lives and they touched ours. We encouraged churches, nine souls put on Christ, new churches were established in the disaster areas, and planted the seeds in 3 islands of the Philippines. We pray that many more will be saved through Him. Thank you so much for those people who supported us in this effort. May the Lord continue to bless all of you as you bless others.
