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Philippines Report for Friday Evening, Aug 19
August 19, 2005
from Harry Osborne in Davao, Philippines
The Bible studies this morning centered
on financial responsibilities of the local church,
gospel preachers and all individual Christians. Cipriano
Carpentero spoke on “God’s Pattern for
Meeting Our Financial Needs.” He emphasized
the need to minimize dependence on outside financial
assistance and replace such with a development of
the ability to meet our own needs, whether individuals
or congregational. Dominador Neniel spoke on “Principles
Which Guide Our Giving in Worship.” He was followed
by his son, Eliezer Neniel, who taught on “Honesty
in the Sight of God and Man.” Eliezer reminded
all of the responsibility to be honest in reporting
and using the support given to gospel preachers and
the benevolence given for the specific needs intended
to be met. Frank Isla, who preaches at Bansalan in
the Davao del Sur region on Mindanao, addressed the
topic “Support and Benevolence: Blessings and
Dangers.” Lordy Salunga gave an excellent lesson
on “Set the Goal and Teach the Saints: Self-Supporting
Churches!”
A panel discussion on these topics
followed for the remainder of the morning session.
The point was repeatedly stated that the brethren
have a desire to become self-supporting and lessen
dependence on funding from U.S. brethren and churches.
Some have wrongly reported to American
brethren that Filipino brethren in general are satisfied
to be continual recipients and often dishonest in
receiving funds. What I saw and heard this morning
were brethren who clearly evidenced the opposite mentality.
(Of course there are exceptions here just as in the
U.S., but such behavior is the exception,
not the rule.) The deep poverty here
makes it impossible for Filipino brethren to meet
all of their own needs for support and makes benevolent
pleas a necessity in some cases. Yet, that fact does
not make the Filipino brethren with whom we are working
satisfied with that status quo. Towards the end of
the morning session, Ramon Carino made a lengthy plea
to his Filipino brethren for them to take specific
and practical steps toward showing proper attitudes
and actions in their own giving and handling of funds
in order to show a proper example to other brethren.
Jonathan Carino followed up with a like-plea including
some pointed rebukes to failures in this area by a
few Filipino brethren. It was a very encouraging session
and I think my American brethren who have given generously
to the work over here would also have been greatly
encouraged by it as well.
This afternoon’s sessions focused
on “The Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace.”
Julie Notarte began by speaking on “Souls from
Different Backgrounds United in Christ.” It
was an excellent lesson, filled with Scripture, and
laid a great foundation for discussion of the topic.
Julie’s humility and dedication were obvious
in his presentation and it was easy to see why he
has been so effective in teaching the gospel. Julie
has a single compulsion – to serve the Lord.
He truly exemplifies the same spirit as the house
of Stephanas – he has “addicted himself
to the ministry” 1 Cor. 16:15). Brother Ben
Cruz then preached on “Unity Focused on Christ,
Not Human Leaders.” It was another great lesson
that I wish every Christian every where could have
heard that lesson. Ben’s preaching was not only
true to the Book, but his attitude was an example
of what he preached. He is a great man of faith who
does not know his true value. His humble plea to rise
about self-seeking and focus on selflessly serving
Christ was a lesson American brethren would benefit
from greatly. Jonathan Carino spoke on “Overcoming
Envy and Strife” in a lesson that was absolutely
fantastic in tone and content. When these three lessons
were completed, Ron and I both commented on how much
we wish the lessons could be heard by brethren across
the U.S.
Due to the need to get copying done
for the upcoming preachers’ training classes,
I was unable to hear the lessons by Hafley Ca-a and
Juanito Balbin. The studies closed with two lessons
of exhortation by Ron Halbrook and myself. Ron did
his normally wonderful job. The Filipino brethren
love him because his love for the Lord and the souls
of men is so apparent. Every time I work with Ron,
I learn something from his teaching and from his life
that makes me a better person.
To sum it up briefly, the Bible studies
here in Davao were a great encouragement to all. Thanks
to all of you who have made it possible for me to
be so blessed as to have an opportunity to take part
in this effort!
Tomorrow morning, we take off to preach
at an island about an hour and a half offshore from
here. Will tell you how it goes when I get back, the
Lord willing. Must now get to bed and get rest to
go again.
Brotherly, Harry O.
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