“… I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Jesus Christ, Matthew 16:18

I am happy and excited to share with you how the Lord is building and growing His church in our beloved nation.

1. The upbuilding of our church in Cagayan de Oro continues.
2. We have a new mission congregation in Antique.
3. Another new mission congregation is forming in Iligan.
4. Gospel preaching, teaching and discipleship continues at our mission congregation in Puerto, Cagayan de Oro.
5. The Lord continues to use our Theological Training Program to equip, edify and reform one (1) church in the province of Bulacan and two (2) in Pampanga.
6. I continue to teach a church of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East through Skype, teaching videos and online materials.
7. We served five (5) churches in supertyphoon-ravaged areas.

Kagay-an Reformed Church

In Cagayan de Oro, four (4) new members were added this year, and Bro. Ernnel Tacandong was ordained as an elder. More applicant members are learning the foundational truths of the Gospel through Catechism Classes for adults every Tuesday, and for children, teenagers and young adults every Saturday. Moreover, three (3) Evangelistic Bible Studies are conducted weekly to introduce more individuals and families to the gospel of salvation by grace alone though faith alone in Christ alone.

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New Mission Congregation in Antique

Since they first contacted us last May, our new brothers and sisters in Anini-y, southern Antique have been visited and ministered to twice by Open Eyes Mission trainees Ernnel Tacandong and Bryan Ranalan, and twice also by yours truly. In both my visits, it has been my joy and privilege to preach the gospel, conduct “Basics of the Christian Faith” seminars and lead church government meetings. Eight (8) have already been interviewed for church membership. They were encouraged to continue studying, believing and applying the core truths of Christ’s saving work in their hearts and lives. I look forward to visiting, teaching and preaching God’s word, and interviewing them again in February 2015. Lord willing and working, they will all then be received as members of the congregation.

Another New Mission Congregation Forming in Iligan

Beginning last November 22, we started conducting a 3-session seminar on the Basics of the Christian Faith to a small group in Iligan. They have all shown great hunger for the word of God and were greatly comforted and edified by the Bible’s teachings about itself (its divine inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility and authority), the Trinity, Creation, Providence and our Salvation in Christ, especially the truth about Justification by faith. During the last session, there were discussions about conducting worship services in the city, starting in January 2015, Lord willing.

Mission Congregation in Puerto

In the barangay (village) of Puerto in Cagayan de Oro City, the work of Gospel preaching, teaching and discipleship continues. Last November 30, the first congregational meeting was held for the brothers and sisters there. This month, one-on-one meetings are conducted to instruct and guide them in the faith.

Theological Training Program

This year, the following classes on the following subjects were conducted in Cagayan de Oro City:

1. Biblical Theology, Rev. Glem Melo, Philippines
2. Belgic Confession, Rev. Carl Vermeulen, Australia
3. Forgiveness and Peace-Making, Rev. Stephen ‘t Hart, Australia
4. Reformation Church History, Dr. Wes Bredenhof, Canada
5. Introduction to Apologetics, Dr. Wes Bredenhof, Canada
6. Introduction to the Redemptive-Historical Interpretation and Preaching of the Bible, Rev. Glem Melo, Philippines
7. Ecclesiology and Ministry, Rev. Glem Melo, Philippines
8. Science and Christianity, Dr. John Byl, Canada
9. Reformed Church Order, Rev. Jan deGelder, Canada

In Bulacan, the following modular courses were taught:

1. Introduction to Biblical Theology, Rev. Glem Melo, Philippines
2. Reformation Church History, Dr. Wes Bredenhof, Canada
3. Science and Christianity, Dr. John Byl, Canada
4. Church Government, Rev. Glem Melo, Philippines

In Manila:

1. Introduction to Biblical Theology, Rev. Glem Melo, Philippines
2. Science and Christianity, Dr. John Byl, Canada

In Antique:

1. Belgic Confession 1, Bro. Ernnel Tacandong
2. Introduction to Biblical Theology, Rev. Glem Melo
3. Introduction to Covenant Theology, Rev. Glem Melo
4. Introduction to the Redemptive-Historical Interpretation of the Bible, Rev. Glem Melo

In Surigao

1. Belgic Confession 1, Bro. Ernnel Tacandong
2. Introduction to Biblical Theology, Rev. Glem Melo

In Pampanga, it was my joy and privilege to teach modular courses on the following subjects:

1. Introduction to Biblical Theology
2. Introduction to Covenant Theology
3. Introduction to the Redemptive-Historical Interpretation of the Bible

Moreover, life-giving teachings on the following subjects were provided to a church of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East:

1. Basics of the Christian Faith – Skype, blogs and online correspondences
2. Basic Biblical Theology – Skype and teaching videos
3. Basic Covenant Theology – online correspondences

Indeed, we look back with joy and thanksgiving at the significant progress and expansion of the ministry of the gospel and church planting that the Lord wrought among us this year. We praise the Lord for them, and thank all who prayed and supported our mission in various ways. We hope and pray that you will continue to pray for our team and support our endeavors for Christ and His church-gathering work.

May the Lord continue to establish the work of His hands.