"It has never been so evident that the Lord has worked before us."
You hear all the time that the Lord works before you arrive and continues to work afterwards; from day one, the Lord has shown us this. We have met many people of peace... and goodness were they pop-ing (get it Person Of Peace?
Ate Elvie (Ate is pronounced "ah-tay" which means older sister) was the first one we met who explained her desire to know more about the Bible. After hearing the gospel a couple times, she repented and accepted Christ.
Tatay Eduardo was another man who literally came running towards two boys on my team to invite them to his house. They explained how salvation is solely faith based and not works based, and he had never understood that before.
99% of Filipinos have a Catholic background and have no assurance of salvation. When we share Ephesians 2:8-9 with them, (For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; not by works, so that no one can boast) many are hearing this for the first time.
We have shared the gospel many many times, and many people have accepted Christ, but we are not sure that they have all had genuine heart change. I'm not going to judge their salvation because that's not my place, but we will continue to remind them of the gospel and pray for heart change. Our mornings and afternoons are filled with Bible studies so pray that hearts will be open to accepting truth.
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| Gladwin translating as our new brother in Christ hungers for the Word. |
Lastly, since the beginning we have heard of Tatay Noe (tagolog for Noah) and his ministry. We were finally able to meet him yesterday and were able to hear his testimony. He is so thankful that we have come and we are so thankful to have a national leader to continue working after we are finished. He is truly and answer to our prayers! We are looking forward to hearing more about his vision and how we can specifically walk alongside him in ministry.
Join us in our ministry by praying for the following:
- clear schedules so people will be able to attend bible studies
- open minds and hearts
- genuine heart change and acceptance of the gospel
- our team's health
- team unity (John 17)
- other Nehemiah Teams who are serving throughout the Philippines and around the world"