Philippine Report for Friday (4/14/06)
April 14, 2006
from Harry Osborne in General Santos City, Luzon, Philippines

As I write this report, we are driving back from Glan to GenSan after a full day of lectures that ended in the baptism of 18 precious souls. The day began with a 90 minute drive south over roads that were very good by Philippine standards. We began our lectures shortly before 9am. The morning session had two lessons on salvation and baptism. Again, I preached and Jonathan Carino interpreted. The first lesson dealt with the salvation of the thief on the cross versus the salvation of Saul. We showed the New Testament pattern concerning the plan of salvation and how it contrasts with popular, denominational doctrines about how one is saved. The second lesson examined a number of New Testament passages talking about the prerequisites to, authority behind, mode of, purpose for, and results from the baptism commanded in the NT. Though the heat was oppressive, the attention was good throughout the 3 hours. At the lunch break, brother Cempron who had arranged the lectures was thrilled that 4 had decided to be baptized including one old and very strong Baptist preacher. In the afternoon session, we preached for another 3 hours on “The Identifying Marks of the New Testament Church.” When the lesson was finished, brother Cempron explained to the audience that we would sing a song and invite those who desired to obey the Lord in baptism to come to the front. As he was announcing the song number and trying to turn to the song, there were already 17 people who came to the front before he found the song! Brother Cempron was so surprised and excited that it was hard for him to start the song. One other came forward after the song began. All of the brethren were very excited about the responses and many of those being baptized were near tears for their joy at finding the truth. It was a great day!

We had to leave Glan in time to get back to GenSan before dark. The road between GenSan and Glan goes through the town of Malapatan which is dominated by Muslims. It is not a place the brethren wanted me to be in after dark. There was a heavy presence of Philippine military all along the road with numerous checkpoints manned by soldiers with M-16s. However, after dark, that military presence tends to disappear and the safety level is diminished. So, the brethren got me on the road quickly as the local brethren took the 18 to be baptized. (We passed the town a few minutes ago and are now nearing GenSan.) When we get back to the hotel restaurant, I will send this report to Leslie who will forward it to the list of those asking to receive it.

Thanks again to all who have supported and prayed for us in this effort. With 29 souls added to the Lord in the work to this point, it has been well worth the time and money spent. I am overjoyed to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this effort by your gracious support.

Please keep Mike Lusby, one of our deacons at the 84th Street church, in your prayers as he is due to leave Oklahoma City in a few minutes to meet me tomorrow in Manila. From there, the Lord willing, we will fly to Tuguegarao and start our part in the preacher training program there.

Brotherly, Harry O.

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