Discipling New Believers

Elma and Michaelle are discipling 5 women.

They are learning to present the gospel,

using John 3:16, and to give their testimonies.

The men are also learning to share their faith.After our time of learning,

the men joined the women to visit selected families.

First, we visited a village kagawad (councilwoman)

and her daughter Rea. Saldo shared the Gospel

and asked others to share their testimonies.

Then we walked through the coconut trees

to make a second visit.

This time we shared the gospel and our testimonies

with Lingling and her family.

Fem (black t-shirt) for the first time

shared a clear yet simple

gospel presentation, using John 3:16,

in their heart language of Ligao Bicol.
By now it was getting dark,

but Tonton (who had joined us after work),

encouraged us to make one last visit at Gi's house.

(Gi's husband is the right-hand man for the village captain.)

The following Sunday, we were thrilled to see

both Rea and Gi with her 3 girls

attend our house church worship service.

Thank you, Lord, for encouraging the group in this way

to continue to share their faith in You.

Matt, our nephew, visits the Philippines

We welcomed Matt to the Philippines from China,

where he has been studying for a year of his college.
His visit began with a ferry ride to Corrigedor.

Corrigedor is a small island

where Filipino and American soldiers

fought side by side during World War II.

Cannons and large guns used

during that war were on display.

Matt's taking a look through gun barrel.
The old barracks are in ruins.
Can you find Matt with his Aunt Michaelle among the ruins?From Corrigedor, we went to Escadero

to experience Filipino culture.

We ate Filipino fiesta food in the water falls,
and enjoyed watching a show of the dances

from various parts of the Philippines. After the show,

Matt's favorite dancers posed for a picture with Matt.

Then we took Matt to our home among the Bicolanos,

who eat hot, spicy food seasoned with peppers

like the one below.Camarines Sur, the province where we live,

is known for it's wake boarding park.
Matt learned to wake board quickly and easily.

Then we headed out to the village of Mampili.

to visit the Bicolano people.

and enjoy the coconut

they pulled from their trees to serve us for a snack.

Matt said visiting in the village

was his favorite part of his visit.