Kingdom Growth

“No, Bro. Mark, that number is too low,” Danny corrected me as I showed him the number of new believers I had recorded in my last report.  “Forty is too low; it’s more than a hundred!” 

“How about the number of people who have heard the gospel?  I wrote down 1000+.” Again, Bro. Danny corrected me, “But Bro. Mark, if you count all the school convocations and community meetings I’ve spoken at, in which I always share the gospel, the number should be over 2000!”

Bro. Danny went on to tell me about the committees he has organized in ten communities, each with the potential to be the nucleus of new churches.  He has initiated several livelihood projects to help these communities with their physical needs, as a means to also share with them about their spiritual needs.  Many have already been baptized and the prospects for future growth look good.

In Roxas City, Bro. Ronald continues to manage his computer school, holding Bible studies and spiritual retreats for the students, in addition to sharing the gospel whenever he is invited to promote the school in local high schools.  He and his school staff travel every Saturday to lead, disciple, and train our new church in Agaho.  Every Friday they do gospel sharing and discipleship training in a local elementary school.

In a neighboring province, Bro. Joey continues to grow his church as well as organize and encourage our other 5 churches in that province.  Bro. Sonny continues to lead our BOOST project, doing agricultural training and gospel sharing in the community events where he and our staff are invited to speak.  Last Sunday, I visited one of our city churches and saw many new faces and heard the testimony of new believers.  Sis. Lily continues to lead www.Blessings.ph and has seen many children helped through that ministry.  Our S. Baptist Association meeting early last month was well attended, and excitement was in the air as they made plans to better organize themselves to grow our churches and start new ones.

It’s great to be back and to see my Filipino brothers and sisters being faithful in the work.  My job is simply to encourage them to do more of the same, to grow in their relationship with our Lord, and to partner with them in reaching new areas where there are no churches.  My calendar is already filled for the next 7 Sundays where I will be in a different church each Lord’s Day to encourage and fellowship with my Filipino ministry partners.  I will also be visiting in the homes of our members and church leaders to hear what God has been doing in their lives this past year.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day.  I will be traveling for 4 hours to a neighboring province to share Thanksgiving with an American friend, TJ, who has been a huge encouragement and blessing to our churches in that area.  I have much to be thankful for as I replant myself in the work here for however long the Lord gives me.  It is my hope and prayer that the coming months will be fruitful and blessed by the Lord as His kingdom continues to grow in this part of the Philippines.