Batbatan Island

Standing on a knoll looking west, framed by the draping leaves of palm trees, I watched the sunset paint lazy clouds with deep blues, fiery reds, and glowing gold. The ocean drew a straight line across the distant horizon, still illuminated by the last rays of a sleeping sun. Dots of light on the water revealed the presence of fishing boats preparing for the night’s catch.

“Wow!” I commented to my friends nearby, “We don’t see this kind of sunset in Iloilo.” To my right, breaking the straight line of the horizon, the mountain profile of Batbatan Island could still be seen. That was the reason I was here. Our church leaders in Culassi, Antique (pronounced an-ti’-kee), had decided to evangelize the 2,000+ people who live on that island.

The strategy is to form 3 teams of young people, 6 people to a team, ages 18 to 30. The teams will be trained to share the gospel and begin simple Bible studies. Then, in April of next year, the teams will travel to the island and live among the people for nearly 3 weeks. The goal is that after 3 weeks, they can group new believers into the nucleus of a new church.

But it won’t be easy. Batbatan Island is known for its evil spirits. The people there are highly superstitious. They are poor, relying on an uncertain fishing trade for their livelihood. About a fourth of the inhabitants are children. No church exists on the island. At least, not yet.

After the teams leave in April, our church leaders from Culassi will be responsible for the follow-up. They have selected Newpon, an eager 28 year old single guy, to lead the follow-up. Newpon has been a Christian for about 10 years, yet he has shown a level of obedience and commitment to the Lord that few Christians reach. He has surveyed the island and is excited for the opportunity to take Christ’s love to these needy people.

So, please pray for Newpon, for the teams (they are responsible to raise their own support), for their preparation and training, and especially for the lost people of Batbatan Island. How pleasing it would be to look out upon that island during a future sunset, and know that there, Christ is King!