No Turning Back: The Third and Final Update

Romans 11:33 

“Oh, the depths of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgements and untraceable His ways!”

In two recent posts, I've been able to share the story of our translator and friend, Sam. Sam recently gave his life to Christ and has been radically changed by the Spirit of God. This is the third and final update on Sam's story.

After leading his family to Christ, Sam and the rest of our team began meeting with his parents weekly at their home. After a few Bible studies, we asked if they would be willing to host our house church at their home. After we asked, they excitedly agreed!

This weekend was the first time we met there. We sang and heard the Word taught. After learning about believers baptism earlier that week, Sam’s parents decided to be baptized! As more and more of their neighbors realized there were foreigners in their neighborhood, they peeked out of their homes. Sam’s parents, in a joy filled state, invited them over. 

First, Attay came and asked what we were discussing. After explaining how Sam’s parents were soon going to be baptized, she asked, “But what does that even mean?” Sam, realizing his neighbor had never heard the gospel, shared Christ with her and watched as Attay placed her faith in Jesus! Then, an older Tatay, who was a close friend of Sam’s father peeked out of his home. Sam’s father invited him over and had Sam explain the gospel to him. Full of joy, Tatay placed his faith in Jesus!! 

Dawson, alongside our national partners, baptized Sam’s parents that afternoon. Sam’s parents invited their friends, even some from a hard to reach people group. They all came to support their friends. After the baptism, we celebrated with fried banana before heading back to their home for a second house church service. 

What was originally a simple Bible study with Sam’s parents has exploded into a house church led by one of our national partners. Three weeks ago, when Sam placed his faith in Christ, we could never have imagined how God would use him to impact his family and his community. God’s plan is truly greater that anything we could ever imagine.

Romans 11:34-36 

For who has known the mind of the Lord? And who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. 

-Andrew 
Philippine Summer