Simply the Story Training

Simply the Story (STS) is a training to learn to lead inductive Bible studies oral style.
Dorothy, the STS directress, Tony, and Sally came from California and Australia.

Ann, Steve, and Terry translated the English lectures into Tagalog.

52 Bicolanos, Cebuanos, and Americans trained in our home.

After the Bible story was told, trainees retold the story to a partner.

The Bible stories were discussed intently in small groups.
Each small group acted out a Bible story.

Steve joined his group of Agta folks as they acted out their story.
Dorothy gave a megavoice to the Agta Cheiftain so he could listen to the New Testament.
Josephine read the Bible story to help oral learners learn their story.
At Pili Baptist Church, Dorothy told the story of how Jesus healed the woman

who was bent over (Luke 13:10-17).

The people listened with keen attention.
Everyone experienced what it would be like to not be able to stand up.
Folks told us STS was the most helpful training they have ever attended.
As trainees left our home, we trust they will use their newly learned skills

to reach Bicol for Christ.

First Bicol Training in Catanduanes

Friday morning, Steve, Terry and Michaelle boarded the ferry

for the province and island of Catanduanes.As we explained Paul's method of starting churches,

we took turns, telling stories from Acts.

Steve's Tagalog was amazing. His illustrations aided understanding.

Terry's jokes and playful ways made him a favorite with trainees.

Michaelle won the prize for the most animated storyteller.

Small groups gave trainees time to study the Word.

They practiced telling the stories and leading discussion questions.

Snack TimeMayan cooked our food over charcoal.

Sunday 3 of the trainees were baptized.

Relaxing after training with a game of chess Filipino style--no need for a table or chairs.

Group picture with our theme verse in Tagalog--2 Timothy 2:2
From what they learned, may these faithful ones teach others, who will teach others,

as more new churches are started to reach the Bicolanos for Christ.

Found a Southern Baptist Church

In our search for Southern Baptist Churches in Bicol,

we boarded a boat at Port Tamban...

.

That took us to the island of Binagasbasan, after 3 hours on the boat.

There we found Binagasbasan Southern Baptist Church.

Nonoy, Pastor Tito, Mercy, Michaelle and Terry arrived on Saturday in time

for the child dedication service.

Pastor Buddy led the service.

Pastor Tito dedicated the children.

This is NanayMunding Pereco, the grandmother of the church.

Her daughter and husband, Melinda and Jim Green, started the church.

(Melinda met Jim when he came to the Philippines in the US Navy.)

Nanay Munding's granddaughter Mercy told Pastor Tito about the church.

This is Mercy's mother Nene with one of the many grandchildren.

On Sunday, the people gathered again for Sunday School and worship.

Oh how they love to sing!

Danilo played the guitar and sang.

The children sang.

The mothers sang. Everyone sang from their hearts without written music or words.

Terry preached, explaining how God looks at our hearts, not at our outer appearance.

On Monday morning, we boarded another boat to go home.

We hope to return again to encourage and build up God's people in Binagasbasan.

The Agta Tribe of Bicol

Steve and Jen Hagen are targeting the Agta Tribe of Bicol.

They met Ptr Ezekiel, who is also working with the Agta.

Ptr Ezekiel introduced Steve to an Agta Chieftain.

The Chieftain became Steve's man of peace,

introducing Steve to Agtas, who were interested in Bible study.

The Chieftain and Steve took Terry and Michaelle with him to two of their Bible studies.

After driving to Lake Buhi, we rode a boat to the other side. We walked to Ipil where we met the Chieftain.Then we climbed the mountain to the Cheiftain's house for the 1st Bible study.
During the Bible study, it rained, making the trail back down the mountain slippery.

On the way down, Terry slipped twice, going down the mountain on his bottom.
After lunch, we climbed the mountain for the 2nd Bible study.

By now, Michaelle is wondering if she will make it.

We have heightened respect for Steve, knowing what it takes just to get to his Bible studies.

At this Bible study, Terry asked, "Did Jesus take away sins or just reduce sins?"
When a man answered Jesus just reduced sins, a lively discussion followed.

Some understand salvation more clearly than others.

Pray God will continue to draw the Agtas to Himself.