11/05/2011: Strive Hard and Pray More

Strive Hard and Pray More

in the Philippines

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word… And the work of God increased; and number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6: 1-4, 7.

Mountain Heights Missionary Training School is a blessing as young workers for Christ are trained. These young workers are sent out to spread the gospel of Christ to those they come in contact with, and souls are brought to Christ.

An example of how this works is the public crusade that was held April 10, 2010, in Sinangguyan, Don Carlos, Bukidon. These meetings were lead by Brother Dexter Cadurna, Cape, Ting and the students from the school. At the end of the meetings there were many souls that were baptized.

Rosalinda attended these meetings with her seven children. She had to carry the two youngest children and walked five kilometers to attend the meetings. Her husband discouraged her from attending as he is prejudiced against our group. She came faithfully even though it was difficult. She is still coming each Sabbath to worship with the brethren. Worshiping her Heavenly Father is very precious to her, and as she tells of her experiences, tears fall to the ground.

Each week Dexter and his companions spend about $4.59 for gasoline so they can visit those that are still faithfully attending worship and need to be studied with further. They come twice a week to reach as many as they can. As a result of these studies, six souls were baptized on May 28, 2011, at our camp meeting in the Lopes church.

Gena Palange with her smiling family

During the last year these old and new believers meet each night to strengthen their faith. They pray that our Lord will give them a simple house of worship. They are very grateful to Mission Projects International for sharing their burden with them and giving funds for public crusades, Bible workers and a church lot. They continue to pray for their dream of a church building to worship in. Pastor Cody Francis and Pastor Mike Bauler recommended a budget of about $600 for a church building. As of right now, we have an unfinished church structure and hope that by next quarter it will be finished. “When an interest is aroused in any town or city, that interest should be followed up. The place should be thoroughly worked, until a humble house of worship stands as a sign, a memorial of God’s Sabbath, a light amid the moral darkness. These memorials are to stand in many places as witnesses to the truth. God in His mercy has provided that the messengers of the gospel shall go to all countries, tongues, and peoples, until the standard of truth shall be established in all parts of the inhabited world.” Gospel Workers, 431.

So now we are praying and waiting on the Lord.

The church is experiencing a new trial. One of our leaders, after making contact with the organized church, is contacting all our members and asking that our church turn over all church properties to the Conference. As a result of this, members were rebaptized and a new layman was assigned to our church, and we now have a new policy. Workers from Mission Projects International are not allowed to speak at the church. In spite of this trial, there are a few faithful families that are loyal to the old landmarks of our faith. “If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war. Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God’s professed people.” Great Controversy, 46.

Mission Projects International workers have arranged plans for us to work. With their advice we have assigned two students to nurture and ground the work for two months. The church in Tipolohon will be responsible for the food for these workers, and Mission Projects International will give a small sum to each student for their daily needs during these two months.

By God’s grace the results of this work have been good. There is a church in this area named “The Church of the Living God.” The pastor is Cosmi B. Alugo. This church joins our group each Sabbath to worship the Lord. As a result of the meetings here in Lopes, nine individuals are ready for baptism.

The church is struggling for funds to continue the work. Dexter and Ting found some herbal vines and sold them to Bruce Palange to earn some money. Brother Dexter used his motorcycle to carry these vines. At times the motorcycle was very weighed down with vines. They have also used their personal money. They spare nothing that these precious souls can be baptized and grow in their relationship with the Lord. These workers have had wonderful experiences in realizing that the angels of the Lord are working with them and protecting them. “The angel of the Lord encampteth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7. “The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” Psalm 111:8.

Dexter and Ting are willing to visit these church members twice per month as they request. These faithful workers are using their own salary to buy gasoline to visit. Their families are making great sacrifices because of this. We pray that you will include us in your prayers that our Lord will give us more funds to carry on the Lord’s work.

 

By Gena Palange. Gena’s husband Ting is one of the faithful laborers in the southern Philippines. Support for the work in the Philippines can be sent to Mission Projects International, PO Box 59656, Renton, WA 98058.

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