By Mark Mayberry
On Sunday, I worshiped with the Edsa Pasay Church of Christ in Manila, where James Paet and Rainier Allado preach. A deaf-mute group of Christians normally assembles in an adjoining room, but this Sunday they joined the main congregation and participated in a combined worship assembly with the aid of a sign-language translator. There were 63 attendees, including 11 deaf-mute members. During the Bible class hour, I presented a survey of the Bible, which was well received. In the worship service, I spoke on the need for diligence in all areas of life, encouraging brethren to be committed to contined spiritual growth.
After lunch with James Paet’s family, we traveled to the Bacoor Church of Christ in Cavite City. This church building was constructed some years ago by an American brother, but the congregation subsequently dwindled in size until they stopped assembling. This building remained unused until February of this year when efforts were made to reestablish a functional group in this area. I presented a sermon that explored the biblical question “How Long Will You?” to emphasize human accountability and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and decisions in their relationship with God. It examines various biblical contexts, such as Adam and Eve’s choice in the Garden of Eden, Moses’ decision to endure ill-treatment with God’s people, and the Israelites’ choices under Joshua’s leadership. It also discusses the consequences of inaction, complacency, and misplaced priorities, urging hearers to make decisive commitments to God, embrace humility, and obey His commandments.
On Monday, I flew from Manila to Tuguegarao City in northern Luzon. Rody and Tessie Gumpad met me at the airport, along with Dennis Yuson and his wife, along with several others. We all drove to the Isabela Province, which is located in the Cagayan Valley region. We met with the saints at Santiago, where Brother Victor Ramos preaches. We had a good worship with a very attentive group of Christians. Rody Gumpad provided a summary of my lesson in the local dialect, which was well received and reinforced the message. One young lady obeyed the gospel.
The second stop on Monday was at Villa Corazon, a remote congregation with a simple building. Despite the humble circumstances in which we assembled, the audience was very attentive, and two young men came forward to confess faith in Christ. Many in this region have been receptive to the truth, and numerous churches have been established here.
On Tuesday, I preached at Minagbag, where JayJay Gumpad labors. The audience was attentive to my lesson on “Stumbling Versus Stability,” which explores the concepts from physical, emotional, and spiritual perspectives. Spiritually, it highlights biblical commendations of stability through faith and obedience, while cautioning against stumbling due to pride, cultural conformity, doctrinal distortions, faulty reasoning, and inordinate desires. One young lady obeyed the gospel. I also reconnected with my dear friend, and fellow-laborer, Gerald Ganela, who recently lost his father, a long-time faithful gospel preacher.
The second stop on Tuesday was at the Solana Lingu Church, where Brother Robert Rancis labors. Robert, a former elder in the downtown Tuguegarao Church, is committed to preaching the gospel in this rural community. I spoke on the need for diligence, and Rody summarized the lesson. The singing, was beautiful. In the evening, sister Tessie Gumpad, one of the best cooks anywhere, provided a delicious dinner for us as we concluded our two days of gospel preaching.
I composed these thoughts at the Tuguegarao Airport, awaiting my flight back to Manila. It has been wonderful reconnecting with brethren I have worked with over the past 20 years. Many of the preachers who attended over the last two days were former students from previous preacher training programs held at the Tuguegarao Church under the leadership of Rody, with assistance from various American evangelists. I have developed longstanding relationships with many of these brethren and hold a special place in my heart for the saints in the Cagayan Valley.
As I visit churches in different areas, I try to identify their needs and address such in my preaching. I do this through consultation with local evangelists who know the situation at each place. In Cagayan Valley, during my visit to Tuguegarao, the churches were not experiencing internal strife or division, so my lessons focused on exhortation to the lost and encouragement to the faithful. I also encouraged these preachers to serve God faithfully in whatever capacity they find themselves, whether in a supportive role or a position of more notable impact.