Monday, January 7, 2008
Dumaguete City, Philippines
Our first full day of evangelism activities is now completed.
Thamer Calhoun was unable to join us today as he was recovering from about of rather severe stomach problems. He has re-hydrated today and is feeling much better this evening. He plans on going with us tomorrow to Puhagan, Valencia for our crusade activities in that town well up the slopes of the volcano, Mt. Talinis.
This morning, Randall and I completed a brisk paced two mile walk along the sea wall on Rizal Boulevard at 5:00 AM. Bro. Joseph was here to pick up our team at 8:00 AM and we headed directly for a place called Bajungpandan Habitat 1 for house to house evangelistic activities. Randall, Darrell, and I were paired up with two of the NLCC members each and walked through the community, visiting in people’s tiny homes and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all who would allow us to do so. We came across several folks who claimed to already be believers in Christ, but when the three teams joined up at the close of the effort, we found that a total of 17 people made the commitment to follow Jesus Christ . Decision cards were completed on each of he 17 people, for follow up by Pastor Valdez and the people of New Life Chruch.
After a time of lunch, and a brief siesta back at the hotel, we were off again for an open air meeting in a barangay called Candu-ay. The place where we set up for services was along the banks of the Banica River in an area where many homes were located. Across the river a number of people were doing laundry in the river. Garbage was dumped along the river bank and one can only imagine the rat infestation in that area.
We pulled our “easy ride” into a common area and began inviting the residents to come out to the area near the basketball court. Darrell sang, Randall gave a message from John 3:16 and I shared my testimony. Pastor Valdez served as interpreter. When the invitation was given, 34 adults made professions of faith in Jesus Christ. Followup information was recorded on every new believer, and each one was given their own Bible in the Cebuano dialect. This area is within walking distance of the New Life Church and it should be easy for followup. Pastor Valdez has already scheduled future Bible Studies in this neighborhood on Saturday evenings.
Thamer Calhoun was unable to join us today as he was recovering from about of rather severe stomach problems. He has re-hydrated today and is feeling much better this evening. He plans on going with us tomorrow to Puhagan, Valencia for our crusade activities in that town well up the slopes of the volcano, Mt. Talinis.
This morning, Randall and I completed a brisk paced two mile walk along the sea wall on Rizal Boulevard at 5:00 AM. Bro. Joseph was here to pick up our team at 8:00 AM and we headed directly for a place called Bajungpandan Habitat 1 for house to house evangelistic activities. Randall, Darrell, and I were paired up with two of the NLCC members each and walked through the community, visiting in people’s tiny homes and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all who would allow us to do so. We came across several folks who claimed to already be believers in Christ, but when the three teams joined up at the close of the effort, we found that a total of 17 people made the commitment to follow Jesus Christ . Decision cards were completed on each of he 17 people, for follow up by Pastor Valdez and the people of New Life Chruch.
After a time of lunch, and a brief siesta back at the hotel, we were off again for an open air meeting in a barangay called Candu-ay. The place where we set up for services was along the banks of the Banica River in an area where many homes were located. Across the river a number of people were doing laundry in the river. Garbage was dumped along the river bank and one can only imagine the rat infestation in that area.
We pulled our “easy ride” into a common area and began inviting the residents to come out to the area near the basketball court. Darrell sang, Randall gave a message from John 3:16 and I shared my testimony. Pastor Valdez served as interpreter. When the invitation was given, 34 adults made professions of faith in Jesus Christ. Followup information was recorded on every new believer, and each one was given their own Bible in the Cebuano dialect. This area is within walking distance of the New Life Church and it should be easy for followup. Pastor Valdez has already scheduled future Bible Studies in this neighborhood on Saturday evenings.
It has been a good day. Hot and tiring, yes, but God honored our efforts and gave us much fruit. We are rejoicing to know that 51 precious souls have been born into the Kingdom of God on this day.
God is great. I am excited for you and I really appreciate the photos and updates. I have been working hard at raising money and I am halfway there.
ReplyDeleteYOU MAKE THIS SOUND SO WONDERFUL AND I AM GREATFUL YOU SHARE WITH US ALL. 51 IS A WONDERFUL NUMBER.GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
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