Church Planting in the Philippines

God's Word speaks !

2011-05-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

Isagani and Victorina are the parents of nine children, at leat four of whom are university graduates (including doctorates) and with successful careers with one in the US. But they live in humble circumstances. They had been catholics all their lives but realise how shallow it all was because they were never encouraged to read the bible for themselves. In fact they were discouraged from picking it up because the church could tell them all they needed to know. They had bibles, but for them it was an unread book just sitting in their house gathering dust.

The SOS team arrives in their lives and talk about the real value of bible reading for the christian as a great source of encouragement and comfort, truth about beliefs, clarity about the level of obedience and responsibility God requires of them. They started on the path of the team's bible studies and were unpleasantly shocked to discover vital things they had not realised before. A sense of urgency followed, driven by this wonderful discovery and conviction about what they need to do to obey God, as well as the realisation that they had being misled all their lives.

Their study was intense and they have come to the realisation that they need to be water baptised by complete immersion. Their new convictions about their new faith runs deep. I can see the impact their new found faith will have in the near future on their children, grandchildren and their neighbours and friends. God has been preparing this lovely couple for years for this moment.Praise Him.

- Leo

Made clean !

2011-05-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

Guillermo is 56 and is suffering from paralysis and hypertension. He has lived a hard life, but played hard and became so dependent on the bottle together with his mates. He came to realise that he was living in a condition of hopelessness and didn't know which way to turn. He knew one thing very clearly: that he felt heavily burdened and guilty because of his past life.

Then the SOS team comes into his life. Just another contact visit by the team not knowing what God had in mind for that day. God had something dramatic to do that day. As Guillermo listened to the team and participated in bible studies, everything fell into place. He came to realise that the cause of his hopelessness was not confessing his burdensome sins of his past to His God and not knowing of the forgiveness available to him which comes because of the sacrifice of Jesus the King of kings and Lord of lords. As soon as he completed the bible study on water baptism, he desperately wanted to be baptised that day. The team said they would organise it for 3pm that afternoon. They then continued to see other contacts in another area (Puruk). These visits also inspired strong interest, with people gathering around the discussion and asking questions. The interest was so intense that the team forgot about their 3pm appointmnet with Guillermo. They raced back to his place to find that he had been patiently waiting for 2 hours...no complaints, but desperate to be baptised that day. He wanted those sins washed away asap.

The team began to organise a suitable time for the following day but he pleaded for it to be done that day. It was too dark for the river, and not quite appropriate at the resort. Someone suggested one of the blue plastic 44 gallon water drums back at the school where the team was accommodated. Perfect solution. Guillermo couldn't get the smile off his face. He was so excited that it was really happening. The baptism was performed. Total immersion was achieved, and he rose out the waters of baptism smiling and relieved that his sins were now washed away and that he was obedient to the Word of God. After prayer for his healing that night, he felt a relief of his medical condition and had this amazing feeling of being cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and the burdens of sin lifted.

In days following Guillermo intoduced the team to his five friends and accompanied the team to invite other contacts to the GOS. His presence endorsed the work of the team and gave them more listening ears. Guillermo insisted in helping the team invite contacts to a special seminar to be held in his area. At the seminar, he gave his testimony to his friends and neighbours of what God had done for him. This encouraged many of them to come to the Grand Opening Service. He has been working intensely in The Lord's vineyard ever since. He is so very much aware of God's grace to him that he wants others to hear what God can also do for them. He is a shining example of a disciple of Christ and has impacted many lives already for Jesus. God be praised for working so beautifully in this one life.

- Leo.

Stephan - the healing process

2011-05-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

18 Year old Stpehan was bed-ridden. A kind of muscular dystrophy robbed him of mobility. When the SOS volunteers found him, he had not been outside his house for years. The team prayed for him, and encouraged him to try moving. Tim helpedhim to stand up (Tim is the right size for that), and encouraged him to exercise his muscles.

By the 3rd day Stephan was able to go outside and view the sunset and the moon for the first time in 3 years.Praise God.

Imagine the scene...

2011-05-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

The four Aussies sat under the evening sky, looking at a crescent shaped moon. We spoke prophetically that the work of the Lord we have seen already will be grown and developed by the Holy Spirit in the lives of the new converts - as surely as the moon will grow to a full-moon.

The Filipino team was singing in the classroom nearby "You are God in the City". Listen to the audio captured on camera as we sat there. GREATER THINGS ARE YET TO BE DONE - in the city. (Enjoy the audio - with a slideshow of events in the city this week)

Pray with us over Santiago City that God will 'hasten' the greater things that He will do. Pray that the new converts will be sharing the gospel with their own friends and contacts - starting this very next week.

First Assembly Metro Evangel

2011-05-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

F.A.M.E. is the name of the new church. First Assembly Metro Evangel - FAME! Preparations are almost complete for the Grand opening Service at 4pm on Sunday. The new converts will become the new congregation of FAME Church.

Many have been praying for the new church location in the city. We have had confirmation now from trusted advisers, and the building mentioned earlier in the blog will become FAME HQ. Here is the roof top suitable for childrens' activities, with a small flat for Pastor Jean. There are two floors below for congregating the church, and running seminars, etc. It is ideally located close to schools and colleges. Praise God.

More fun and more baptisms

2011-05-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

Thursday was Fiesta day in the city. All the contacts would be celebrating and watching the grand parade. So the SOS Volunteers took the day for R&R. We went swimming. Tim met one of the locals (a python).

Later some of our contacts arrived at the swimming pool, to be baptised. They testified of their new faith in Jesus, and were baptised while everyone was still in the pool. Praise God the church in Santiago City is growing!

Friendly Filipinos

2011-05-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

Its been a privilege to present Bible Studies & observing the positive exciting response to the message. As if it's new information for them. They become enthusiastic about the gospel and want to know more. This often leads to water baptism.
I am captivated by the intense interest that these beautirful Filipino people show in the Bible Studies. This is what God intends to impact their lives. We witness 1st hand the power of the word of God and the power this has on a life that responds to God for the first time.
They love our testimonies, and those of team members. They love seeing photos of our family and hearing our story. The children are either beautiful or cute (!) and very friendly and love to follow us around. They love having their photo taken, and its so easy for us to oblige.
Riding on the motorised tricycle is an experience! But we survive!
-Leo

Praying for a church building

2011-05-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

The church being planted in Santiago City is a pilot project in urban evangelism. We are praying for a central location right in the middle of the city. Already the principals of the schools in the district are asking for input from the Pioneer pastors. Pastor Joses has connected with them, and also with personnel in the mayor's office. They want to use his creative arts skills. Jean dela Cruz will help with youth counselling for common social problems (drugs, teenage pregnancy, etc).

As of now, 42 have been water baptised. The work in the city is growing!!

Help by praying that the Lord will provide the monthly rental needed.

A new church

2011-05-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

A new church is almost born. Bible Studies last night were held in the street with numbers of people attending. Hunting for Bible verses by torchlight was challenging, along with interpreataionby our team members who speak a different dialect. But we got there!

The Pioneer Pastors are now being introduced to the Bible Study groups.They will have the full responsibility for them starting next week when we leave.

Baptisms in the river

2011-05-03T03:08:00.000-07:00

Wonderful today (Tuesday) to have more brothers & sisters in Christ. More than 30 baptisms took place in the river today in open and natural setting. It reminds me of John the Baptist. The river was shared with animals, washing, kids playing - all part of Filipino life. This is the START of something, something that will continue long after we have gone.
- Ian

Tim & Ian gather the children

2011-05-01T03:31:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon we were invited to visit one of the contacts. We shared our stories and encouraged one of them who will be baptized soon. Another house was visited, and they all came out to meet us including a dozen or more kids. We had fun with them and they sang us a song.

Saturday Seminar

2011-04-30T05:21:00.000-07:00

"Life in the Spirit"Seminar was held at the school where we are staying. There were 80+ adults in attendance and just as many children.

More than half indicated that they would be water baptised. Stay tuned for a report on water baptisms.

Arrived in Santiago City

2011-04-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

We have arrived in the target town. The SOS Volunteers have been preparing the ground, opening up Bible Studies. The Filipino team is very welcoming, and Leo has already been learning Tagalog words, and teaching English to fellow volunteers.

A new day starts with team exercises and team deovtional. And now we are preparing for the Seminar on Saturday afternoon where the contacts will congregate.

Team training in Manila

2011-04-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

We have spent the last 2 days getting to understand the culture that we are amongst on this mission trip. Pastor Rey Calusay gave us his time to understand the power of Jesus' name to overcome the enemy. We heard the powerful word of the Lord that morning, and we were each touched. Now we have great anticipation to get to Santiago City, meet the Filipino team, and be a part of what God is doing in that city.

Aussie Team flies out on Easter Tuesday

2011-04-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday we fly out of Brisbane, and arrive in Manila for 2 days of team training. We will meet up with Pastor Rey Calusay, we will learn more of the Filipino culture, we will plan and and we will pray together.

The 2011 Aussie SOS team needs YOUR prayer support - please pray for us regularly. In the army, I once acted as a forward observer for an artillery shoot. I called in the grid reference of the enemy position on the opposite hill ... and waited. There was an eerie silence followed by the 'whistling' sound of overhead shells flying towards their mark, and then ... the opposite hill was ablaze with explosions, smoke and shrapnel. It would have been suicide to advance on the hill without that fire-power, but with artillery support victory was assured.

Right now we are advancing into enemy territory. These are not just words, this is fact - the enemy is against the planting of churches. We NEED your prayer support, and we will have the victory.

On Friday we fly to North Luzon, a 1 hour plane trip from Manila, and join the Filipino church planting team at Santiago City, Isabela.

VOLUNTEERS IN SANTIAGO CITY TESTIFY OF MIRACLES

2011-04-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

Santiago City Team testify of several instances when contacts follow after them in the streets to thank them for miracles. The volunteers have been applying what they have learned during the training: Proclamation with Demonstration, Praying in Faith for Miracles. Evidently, the volunteers do not hesitate to pray for miracles in different situations of the contacts.
One lady thanked the volunteers for the miracle regarding her pregnant sister. The situation before prayer was that the woman’s life was at risk and had to undergo immediate caesarean operation because the baby was not anymore moving in her womb. But after prayer, the baby moved again and was eventually delivered normally. The doctors admitted it was a big surprise to them.
Joses Calusay and his squad testify of God giving them Word of Knowledge regarding specific needs of contacts. They say it was like in the book of Acts.

Movie of Aussie team in Calapan 2010

2010-05-16T07:30:00.001-07:00

Publish Post

Reflections from Aussie team members

2010-05-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Maree: "seeing God at work"

For me it was an awesome time of being challenged and meeting challenges, being blessed, and a time of seeing God working in amazing circumstances and places. The high point for me was leading a Bible study on water baptism and having a family of 6 deciding to be baptized.

Tim: "the icing on the cake"

Wow! The last 12 days have certainly been a time of challenges, and have not been without problems. I have found myself at times (plenty, actually), being asked to lead devotions, pray for everything from healing to strength, which is something that I'm not used to having to do, at least not as often as I did.

Seeing changes that have taken place in the lives of the contacts, the faces now smiling and expressing joy, or the crippled who had left their home for the first time in probably a long time, all makes it worthwhile.

The relationships formed not just amongst the teams, but amongst the contacts of the new church, and the contacts who now have a relationship with God, really is the icing on the cake.

John: "challenged"
I went to the Philippines uncertain as to why God had called me to go. Spending over a week with other Christians intent on doing Gods work has provided the perfect environment to recharge my Spiritual batteries - to spend time with my Lord in a way that required me to look to Him to see me through what He had called me to do. To see Him work in the lives of team and the people we visited was fantastic. I have been challenged by the real examples of how the Filipino team members lived out their faith. One team member used 1Th 5:16,17 as a devotion one morning. (Be joyful always, pray continuously) The challenge of this passage was reinforced through the example set by this person over the week in demonstrating it in his life.

"I'm a product of SOS ... and I will plant a church"

2010-05-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

John Robles is one of the SOS Volunteers in the team at Calapan, Mindoro in 2010. He is in his final year at Bethel Bible College in Manila.

John received Jesus into his life in 2004, when SOS volunteers held Bible studies in his house, in Jordan, Guimaras. He was baptized and he becaome a Core Group member of the church.

John has dedicated his life to following Jesus. After completing Bible College, he will pastor a church-planting church.

To follow John's story from 2004, click on Read more

David Bates and Bill Smart from Australia were amongst the SOS Volunteers at Jordan, Gimaras in 2004. Here is the Bible study where John Robles received Jesus as his Savior.At this time John is a beautician and hardresser, and is married with 2 chlldren.

6 months later in 2005 David Bates and Pastor Rick Lewis from Australia visited the church in Jordan, Guimaras. The owner of the karaoke bar had been converted, and the church, led by Pastor Jerry Arsenia and Pastor Rianne Bullones, met in the converted karaoke bar. John Robles is at this time an active member of the church, leading mens ministry, childrens ministry, womens ministry - every kind of ministry!

By the grace of God, he will pastor a church-planting church!

Sunday Update

2010-05-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

Pastor Glen Aberia - Pastor of the new Church
together with Pastor Carlo Estampa - Assistant Pastor.

(Ps Carlo will plant his own Church in 6 to 12 months)

The Field Director hands over the records
of all the church members

(collated by the SOS volunteers over the past 3 weeks)

to the Pioneer Pastors.

The New Church's Worship Team

at the Grand Opening Service.

A New Church is born.

2010-05-02T00:17:00.000-07:00

Today in Calapan, Mindoro, The Philippines a new church was born. At the Grand Opening Service there were 50 adults and 30 children present. Other than the preaching the service was run completely by the new Christians. Praise the Lord.

More details will be provided in coming days as the team, both Filipino and Aussie return to their homes and loved ones. There has been a tremendous out-flowing of God's Holy Spirit through the willingness of all of the SOS team to speak and act in obedience to the Great Commission from Jesus to go into all the world to share the Gospel.

Matthew 28: 18-19 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (TNIV)

Right now the Aussies are on a boat as they make the return trip to Manila. As they return home over the next couple of days please pray for their safety as they travel, and also pray that the miracles seen and lessons that they have learnt during the SOS 2010 will remain fresh in their memories as they continue to share the good news of God's Love to those at home as well.

Please pray for protection over the new Church, its Pioneer Pastor and the young congregation. They will face all sorts of difficulties and challenges (including persecution) in the days ahead, but with God's help they can and will overcome.

Old and Young receive Jesus

2010-05-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

Guess which one is the Aussie

2010-05-01T04:42:00.000-07:00

Squad 5

Tim with some of the Filipino Team Members

Praise the Lord - More Good News

2010-05-01T03:34:00.000-07:00

The Core Group is being trained. 3 young people are being trained in worship leading.[picture below]

On Friday we visited the beautiful north end of Mindoro island and saw same beautiful scenery . We visited a Mangyan tribal community and shared with them in their mountain-top church. The health of the Mangyan people is poor and they are subsistence farmers.

This morning a further 7 young people were baptised - it is truly wonderful to see the joy as these new Christians publicly acknowledge that Jesus is their Lord and Saviour.

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In all the rush of trying to keep the blog up to date I overlooked sharing some beautiful words that Tim wrote several days ago - they are such a beautiful summary of the special joy that comes from being obedient in sharing God's Word that I just have to share them with all of you who are reading this blog.

"Today, we started the day with the usual devotion, and it as my turn to lead. I chose to work through Matthew 13, a chapter we have all read recently on the Gateway Bible Reading Plan. God put it on my heart to look at Jesus' examples of mission. After all, what are we doing here?

The day started (with me) feeling completely refreshed after a better night's sleep (despite the continual stereo snoring), and I felt a level of excitement I had not felt before. Overnight rain had meant the morning was cool and fresh, but the day quickly became very humid and stick, temps probably mid 30s.

After bible studies in the morning, back for lunch then siesta time, then this afternoon back out for more bible study with contacts.

Tonight is still warm, but there is the possibility of thunder tonight, and I'm actually looking forward to sharing with the whole team tonight about what we've been doing for the day.

Wow, has it been a good day, and I've heard that we have 4 more people who are preparing or water baptism."

Thanks Tim for sharing your experience with us ... and now for some more photos:

Worship Leaders in Training

Mangyan Tribal Village

Beautiful Puerto Gallera Scenery

This picture of Melody and her mum was taken when we went to her house to see her. Melody was crippled by Polio at age approx 8 months, and without the money to pay for the treatment, they could not afford to help her. She is almost blind,, and has a badly disfigured left foot, and rarely says anything.

We prayed for her, that she would receive healing from God, and when we visited her the next day, she said that she was feeling better, so prayer is being answered.

We take small items of food for her every day and she waits for us to call.

The picture of Kristina (left) and Geraldine having drinks was on the way back from an afternoon bible study, I shouted drinks and a snack and we have had a few minutes to sit back and relax on a hot afternoon. Kristina and Geraldine are members of our squad.

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This is just a small sample of the beautiful people that our Aussie Team are working with, and of the beautiful area of the Philippines where they are working. Stay posted for many more heart warming and encouraging stories as God continues to work miracles in Calapan.

Thursday Report

2010-04-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

There has been much excitement as we have seen another 31 people baptised in water. This brings the total so far to 72. We sure do have an amazing God.

Converts come in all shapes and sizes. God loves each of us equally regardless of our size, race or background. He knows our hearts ....

On Thursday afternoon 30 core group members of the church assembled. All have received Jesus Christ as their Savior in the past 2 weeks, and they have all been baptised in water - some as recently as that morning. They were taught about their responsibilities as members of the body of Christ, and their responsibilities to their Pioneer Pastors. They are helping to plan the Grand Opening Service which will be held on Sunday.
Already the core group is starting to take ownership of the new church, and the SOS team will finally be farewelled as "visitors in Calapan".

The team has been taking some wonderful photographs as they travel around Calapan sharing the gospel. We are currently sorting through them all to figure out the best way to display them to you. Hopefully at least some of the photos will be posted here shortly.

Please keep praying for our health and safety. There have been a few tummy upsets as result of the unfamiliar foods and drinks that we have been sharing but God has been faithful in protecting us and the local team members from any major problems.

Some More Photos of Life in Calapan

2010-04-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

Breakfast Garden

A Skype Call to home

The Rice Cooker

Location for Viewing in Google Earth

2010-04-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

If you would like to get a better idea of exactly where the team is located you can enter the following co-ordinates in the "fly to" box on Google Earth and you will get a satellite view of what it looks like.

13° 23.870N 121° 10.512E

You may need to turn off the "weather - cloud" option as otherwise it may be difficult to see through the thick cloud cover currently over most of Mindoro.

Google Earth Location & More Photos

2010-04-27T18:55:00.001-07:00

Tuesday Afternoon Update

2010-04-26T23:03:00.000-07:00

At the request of the team I have made a small amendment to this morning's post. The consensus is that it is still very hot at night and that (other than for David) no blankets are required . Debate continues as to whether it just because David is the coolest team member .

The team is still making more new contacts, and more baptisms have been confirmed. Please pray that God will continue touching lives through the team and that even more will receive Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Please pray for the local people in Calapan - that their eyes would be opened to the false teaching that many have received regarding the worship of idols and that they would place their trust totally in the only true God through his son Jesus.

You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, Exodus 20: 4-5 (TNIV)

Update - Tuesday 27 April 2010

2010-04-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

Although the afternoon sun is very hot, there is a breeze off the sea at different time of the day which makes it more bearable It has been reported that David has actually felt cool enough to need a blanket in the early hours of the morning, but all the other team members reckon that it was still very hot even at 2am. Maybe it is just that David is the coolest team member (you owe me for that comment David).

The Aussies are all taking part in leading Bible studies.They started off as one-on-one Bible Studies and are now being grouped together - this is the Congregate phase, where new believers are linked with one another and with the Pioneer Pastor. Some areas of the town are built as clusters of houses in community and when the Bible studies are finished for the afteroon the whole community comes together and meets and greets and laughs together. It already feels like fellowship time after church, and it's hard to leave!

Our accommodation is in the Elementary school. Desks and chairs are pushed back to make room for our mosquito domes and tents. The "comfort room" is attached to each classroom. Bath-time means pouring buckets of water over the head - oh so nice!

The team here in Calipan has a goal of achieving 50 baptisms - 11 more are needed to reach that figure in the final week of field work, so please pray that God would guide us to the right people. Please also continue to pray for unity amongst the team. With the long hours being worked and the at times uncomfortable conditions away from home and loved ones, it is easy to become frustrated and impatient. Most of the Filipinos on the team are also a long way away from their homes so please pray for them as the continue the Lord's work.

Praying together before going out

Houses in a local community

Sharing in a Bible Study

An Outdoor Bible Study

Children love to join in.

Some Photos of our first day in Calapan

2010-04-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Pioneer Pastor gives instructions on the "Why" of baptism

- what to tell your family and friends who may ask why you have been baptised,

Baptisms in the Sea - Tim and Scott with Pioneer Pastors.

In the background is the main island of Luzon where we came from earlier in the day.

We received a royal welcome from the team - here is a dinner fit for a king.

First Day for the Aussies In Calapan

2010-04-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday 25th April 2010

The Filipino Team has been working hard over the past two weeks and the labor of the field workers is now being richly rewarded with a bountiful harvest. To date there have been 250 conversions and on the day of our arrival there were 37 baptisms at the local beach, with more scheduled for this afternoon and during the coming week. Praise God for the work that he is doing through SOS.

Please pray for these new Christians, that they continue to grow strong in their faith, overcome fear and superstition from their past, and resist the temptation to yield to the pressure of family and neighbors to return to their old sinful ways. Your prayers for each Aussie team member would also be appreciated as we build relationships and share the gospel and encouragement with the local people.

The Team has arrived safely!

2010-04-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

All Aussie team members arrived safely in Manila on Thursday (22nd April) and settled in for a good sleep after their long flights. Yesterday was spent visiting a Church being planted in Tondo in the middle of Manila's urban sprawl, catching up with some old friends amongst the volunteers, team training and making all the necessary last minute arrangements before heading of to Calapan this morning.

The team will be traveling, initially by bus and then by Super-cat ferry to the island of Mindorro. Team spirits are high and everyone is looking forward to meeting with our fellow SOS volunteers in Calapan and seeing what God has in store for us. The current weather in Calapan is hot and steamy 33°C (feels more like 40°), and partly cloudy. Please continue to pray that we will be able to witness the love of Jesus in bold and effective ways during the days ahead.

2010-04-06T14:45:00.001-07:00

SOS 2010
Aussie Team again joins Filipino SOS team to plant a church

This year 5 Aussies are joining the Summer Of Service (SOS) Team in Calapan, on the island of Mindoro.

The team has already met together on several occasions to pray, to build team relationships and to carry out advance planning for the trip. We have been privileged to share in prayer with our friends in the Philippines (by telephone) and we have been greatly encouraged by this contact. We have also enjoyed learning more about the area in which we are to serve and are eagerly anticipating working as part of the team with our Filipino brothers and sisters.

We are truly looking forward to a time of blessing as we see God's incredible power at work. Please pray for us as we work through all the last minute practical considerations which need to be attended to before we finally board the plane.

Please pray

2010-04-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

April 22 2010 - We fly to Manila, Philippines.
April 23 - Team training in Manila
April 24 - We join a Filipino team who are into the 3rd and final week of church planting.
Target place: Calapan, Mindoro
The goal is the Grand Opening Service on May 2 when the new church is formed in the target place.

Pray for
¨ Safety in Target area
¨ Miracles signs and wonders
¨ Relationships established with Filipino teams
¨ Powerful testimonies
¨ Team unity
¨ Boldness
¨ Effective communication

Aussie SOS experience - photo journal

2009-07-13T22:56:00.000-07:00

Reflections on the mission trip

2009-06-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

Back from our Church Planting mission trip ... and after hugging my bathroom (those who have been will understand) ... said hello to the wife & patted the cat.

This was my third tip, this time into area's of urban poor in Manilla. We joined a team of some 35 indigenous Filipino's, many young and all entusiastic who sacrifice their vacation to see a Church given birth.

As we drove through the rain towards toward a mass of humanity I prayed that I would not just go through the motion reflecting on my previous experiences ...... and I didn't. The shackles of our life of schedules, plans, timeclocks etc was relieved for 12 days .... allowing a single minded focus on sharing Gods word and our testimony ... baring our soul for those eager to hear the truth.

There were many amazing experiences and stories:

a lady bedridden for 12 months, accepted Jesus during a bible study and walked into a pool to be baptised by our team
a lady testified to an amazing peace coming over her after I baptized her, subsequently impacting her life to such an extent that her husband wanted what she had .. he was baptised
many teenagers responded to the challenge and gave their life to God
and many more ...

In all 55 were baptised, all with their own stories and some 85 part of the Grand opening service .... all in 3 weeks on the field.

Yet again I was challenged to the core by the hospitality of these people .... in most cases poor in possessions but so rich in spirit. Whilst we struggle to invite our neighbours into our lives ... the Filippino's see it as an expected thing.

I saw what it's like when all you have is Jesus and your testimony .... and challenged as to why should it be different in Australia, in my life.

For me the journey continues .......

Paul

New Worship Leader is trained

2009-05-03T03:23:00.000-07:00

A new worship leader, Regina, was shown "the ropes" during the Grand Opening Service. An experienced worship leader from the SOS Team helped her prepare a solo item, and led the way in the opening praise and worship. By the end of the service, Regina has taken over the microphone and is leading (see inset circle, last photo). Next week she is the one who will lead.

The new church is born

2009-05-03T03:20:00.000-07:00

At the Grand Opening Service, the church was full! 85 people attended from Barangay Holy Spirit, not counting the SOS Team. The name of the church - "Jesus Christ Our Savior Assembly of God" is located above the "Idol Billiard Hall". The birth of the church was exciting, with testimony from a new convert, and a mounting sense of "ownership" by the new congregation. At the end of the church service, the new church members thanked the SOS volunteers and waved them goodbye. The new church members were soon worshiping the Lord with hands raised high!

Baptism - how to transform a husband!

2009-05-03T03:16:00.000-07:00

What an amazing experience as those who had accepted Christ, 55 in all to date, exercised obedience to God in submitting to water Baptism. I had the privelage,to baptise 7 beautiful Filipino's converted by my sqaud. We later visited them to encourage them and was touched by the testimony of "Mae" (pictured with myself and Pioneer Pastor Arnel). She shared how she had felt an amazing peace come over her after being baptised, feeling Gods love and presence in a real way. That her feelings of hoplessness faded....as tears of joy welled up in her eyes we all became blubbering messes as we saw that Jesus really does change lives. Mae shared that her husband was so impacted by her life change, her "peace" and the elimination of her "nagging of him"(her words not mind), that he wanted what she had....so she challenged him to accept Christ and be Baptised....he did and was at the Grand Opening Service!!........Paul

Carlos Story

2009-04-30T03:58:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I mentioned Carlos who we met walking past on the street. He said he was backslidden and into illegal things and wanted to come back to God but he could not yet. We chllenged and encouraged him and prayed for him all afternoon and morning, but I did not see him at the seminar. When we got to the last group to be baptised Carlos stepped into the water and I was so excited. The Good Shepherd had sent us for the lost sheep and we were rejoicing with Him that Carlos was found. Please pray that God will provide a miracle to deliver him from the illegal activites and associates he is working for and provide a way to support his family that will honor God.

Best mission trip ever!

2009-04-30T03:14:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! 40+ additional Water Baptisms today and most of the people have only been saved for a few days! This is in addition to 23 baptisms already done on Tuesday & some more Water baptisms booked in for next week. Seriously once you get past the fear of leaving the land of oz for 10 days & making an investment into the Kingdom of less than $2000aud this is so easy, so simple. All we need to do is go with our awesome team mates to the field work, introduce ourselves & read the bible study aloud point by point, A translator will interpret point by point. At the end, you read the challenge to the people and the translator will translate.

As an Aussie you have no Idea how desperate & how receptive the people are until one of your fellow team mates says in English, they will accept! they want Jesus to be their saviour, or... they will be water Baptised. SOS is an incredible model that works so well for advancing the cause of Christ in the Philippines. I am so desperate to see a Church planting Model of this calibre start up in Australia. Imagine if in Australia we could mobilise volunteers to be used by God to turn over to a pioneer pastor a congregation of believers committed to be the core group of a newly planted church in a target area or town. Cynics might sit on the sidelines & tell me that Church planting could never be as effective as this in Australia. As a team we have all personally witnessed the power of the Gospel in setting people free from all the vices of idolatry. Pictured below is a Lady who was unable to walk. She has been paralysed not being able to leave her bed for over a year, We did some bible studies with her, both her & her son gave their hearts to Jesus & in the following days asked to be baptised. She is now able to walk again and her doctors confirmed that she is not paralysed any more. She is free to move around again.

The photos below show her misery before accepting Christ (while she was still paralysed) & her overwhelming joy on the way to being water baptised. She was very afraid to enter the water to be baptised & missed the opportunity to be baptised along with the rest of squad 3. Finally she came forward & was Baptised by Pastor Arnel & Tim. Halelulia. Heaven is rejoicing today! Satan has lost some territory! halelulia!!! this is just one of 1000's of stories right now all over the philippines Scott Maddrell

Bring up a child...

2009-04-30T03:10:00.000-07:00

This picture is a prophetic message to a family that I visited over a few days. The promise is that when the Grandfather - Ricardo and Eden (neighbour) dedicate their lives to following God and His word, and bring their children up following God's word, they will be firmly established in God. They will walk in His ways. Standing on His Word has a new meaning when I look at this picture... Kerri

The great Australian Chocolate Challenge

2009-04-30T02:47:00.000-07:00

As a team of Aussies we felt it was important to exchange cultures with our Philipino Team mates. On a short term mission trip when food is put in front of you, you are expected to eat it, no matter what. the last thing we wanted to do was offend our fellow team mates by insulting their cooking of small fish soup, rice, Sour Vegetables, Rice, Bitter vegetables & did i mention more rice! So in return we thought it would be important to introduce them to Australias favourite Chocolate. Vegemite. before letting them try our world famous Chocolate We taught them how to sing "were happy little vegemites, bright as bright can be, we all enjoy our vegemite for breakfast lunch and tea, our mothers say were growing stronger every single week because we love our vegemite, we all adore our vegemite, it puts a rose in every cheek! you can see their response in the photos.... Scott

The "crazy ladies"...

2009-04-30T02:39:00.000-07:00

Two middle aged ladies,...dedicated to God...sacrificing their holildays for the slums of Manila have taught me more in four days about mission than many previous years. I have been inspired by their genuine love for their contacts, humility in character and absolute belief in the power Gods word. They have lead many to Christ and are have wept at the prospect of leaving to go home......come on Australia, we can do, we can reach those we live, love and laugh with...get some "crazy lady" spirit......Paul C

God answers prayer for converts...

2009-04-30T00:12:00.000-07:00

The goal of Summer of Service (SOS) is to hand over to the pioneer pastor a congregation of believers who are committed to being the core group of a new church in the target area. Our target area is an area about 10 blocks. Seminars and teaching are a vital part of this process. Today we were having a core group seminar at 9am and baptism to follow at about 11.30am. At 7am this morning it started raining, but we went out in the rain to meet our contacts and encourage them to come. I went with sister Merel to bring an Nany Vive in a motorbike side car to church as she could not walk that far. She had started getting ready at 6am. At the teaching seminar we had a full house of about 60 contacts (not counting the team) and almost all agreed they wanted to show their response to God through Baptism. We then went to a private residence in an estate near the big mall and hired their pool area to baptise these new believers. The Aussies had the priviledge of baptising their squad people with Pastor Arnel the pioneer pastor.This was an overwhelming experience.... Anne

Encouragement amidst poverty

2009-04-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

Today we joined two contact groups into a small group. We had Grandfather Ricardo with many grandchildren, and his neighbour Eden and her two kids (see bible & feet picture).

Ricardo is an elderly man with asthma and is praying for healing or medications to cope with this. He was already encouraging Eden to be baptisted as he had been. These new beleivers are already encouraging each other in the faith.

These children have real hope with a parent and a grandparent to pass along the word of god to them.

Relationships developing

2009-04-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

Each day we head down small laneways. In each of these laneways there are dozens of doors which open up on the lives of hundreds of people.

Over the past 3 days we've been back to some familiar places to visit our new friends. As we listen to each other's stories and laugh together, the surroundings fade and the eyes light up when they understand God's love for them and His word.

Tomorrow is a significant seminar for the development of the new church plant. Please pray that all who want to come will be able to and that there will be nothing standing in their way.

Praise God and Keep Praying

2009-04-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

Praise God Scott's squad 3 had 11 more commitments made today (18 total) to be water baptised and attend the core group training seminar tomorrow, Please pray that God for protection of these decisions and that they will continue to connect with the new pastor and each other... Scott
Another praise point - David made contact with a business man and his wife who gave their lives to the Lord today and are committing to attend the church.

Personally challenging for me

2009-04-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

I personally have been very challenged. Yesterday our last contact we visited told us that she has third stage cancer and she told us she has a total peace and knows exactly what is going on and what the road ahead will offer.
She is a believer, and this story was close to me and I shared with her about my own mother dying of cancer. I spoke to her of healing and that we do not always receive healing in our body, but we will receive spiritual healing and freedom with God forever. We prayed with this woman for healing from God and that she will have continued peace.
Please join us in this prayer....Tim

New church has a name

2009-04-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

The new church in Barangay Holy Spirit is called: Jesus Christ Our Savior Assembly of God. On Saturday May 2 the Grand opening Service will be held. Excitment is mounting.

Google Earth

2009-04-28T06:39:00.001-07:00

Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, Manila

The site of the church plant can be seen on Google Earth. Barangay Holy Spirit has a population of 150,000 registered voters - maybe double that number including children. The area in the picture, in which the new church is being planted has more than 10,000 people.

Use Google Earth to zoom into the location at: Latitude: 14°41'18.69"N Longitude: 121° 5'9.86"E

Google Earth

2009-04-28T03:04:00.000-07:00

The site of the church plant can be seen on Google Earth. Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, Manila. Zoom into the location where the SOS team is staying at: Latitude: 14°41'18.69"N Longitude: 121° 5'9.86"E

Humbled by their generosity,challenged by their lives

2009-04-27T02:48:00.000-07:00

It is a hunbling experience, as we move from one house to another sharing in the ministry of the word, to be greeted with such warm hospitality...from people with very little earthly possesions. It challenges me to think of how much we (I) in Australia have yet how little we really have as we drive our nice cars on our nice roads into nice house having little time for each other in our busy schedules.
Who is the richer? How can I respond?What can I do? ....but to love justice, practice mercy and walk humbly with my God.
...... Paul

Bible Studies with Squad 5

2009-04-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

Squad 5 headed out together splitting into 2 smaller teams of 3 and I (Kerri) was one of 3 that visited 2 previous contacts homes to encourage them in their decision to follow Christ.
The first was a great grandfather who lived downstairs from his daughter who had several children. I prayed with him and we hope to see him at the church opening on Sunday along with his grandchildren who will hopefully be raised in the knowledge of Jesus and the salvation he brings us all.
The second was a young mother with 3 young kids who has been a Christian for a while but are encouraging her to come along to the new congregation to be one of the believers who will support the pioneer pastor of the newly formed church. It was a wonderful privilege to be invited into their homes and speak and pray with them.
Before lunch I (Kerri) and 2 of my team members Analyn & Rhenz (who interpreted to Tagalog tongue) conducted a bible study with 2 young boys and we spoke about why we need a Savior and they recommitted their lives to Jesus.

Being looked after...

2009-04-26T23:19:00.001-07:00

The women in the kitchen have been adding vegetables to help with our regularity.

This deep fried whole fish for lunch was very nice. The eyeballs were juicy and the cheeks crunchy like prawns crackers. Who would have guessed! We do not have an adventurous team today.

Bible studies with Squad 1

2009-04-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

I (Anne) have been assigned to group 1 and led 2 bible studies this morning. One was in a house 4 mtrs by 10 mtrs with four sectioned off bedrooms and kitchen and bathroom. The electricity had been disconnected so we were reading by torch light and candle light. We had 6 contacts at this bible study and we taught about the need for Salvation, Christ as the Saviour and what is sin. All had heard of Jesus before and all re-dedicated their lives to him at the end of the Bible Study. They were what the SOS team call 'Unchurched' - people who have had a faith but not been able to attend a church. Now they promised to come to the next Seminar on Thursday night and to church on Sunday.

These isolated believers now have the opportunity to worship with other believers. Please pray for 2 of the ladies who have not been able to fall pregnant.

It is such an honour to work alongside these passionate Filipino's and realise how simple it can be to share the truth.

The real work begins

2009-04-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

This morning the schedule started at

5am with a whistle blowing for exercises. Kerri & Anne were a little late but they were gracious and did not make us do the Filipino Haka. Star jumps were compulsory!!! Of the five Aussies questions for team points, only two, and we won't name who (Anne & Kerri) were not disqualified.
5.30am Section Devotions (we each were put into a outreach group for the next week)
6am - 8am Breakfast, personal hygiene, devotions
8am - 9am Team worship and prayer
9am out to bible studies with the contacts

Each night so far it has stormed, and this has cooled it off to sleep. PTL and today the humidity much higher and we are all glowing.

Street Evangelism

2009-04-26T03:02:00.000-07:00

Street drama is used by the team to convey the horrors of hell. Many people who indulge in drug and alchohol, gays, prostitutes, and harsh rich men are going to hell. But if they receive Jesus Christ they will know freedom and salvation. The drama shows that everyone can know the love of Jesus. They are invited to join a Bible Study.

During the appeal time I (Anne) saw a lady sitting opposite me with child on her lap. She looked very tired and life worn. My heart broke for her. I was so pleased to see Merill, a young team member, go to her and ask if she would have a bible study. Merill told me that this woman was a member of a Christian fellowship but worked Monday to Saturday has children and an unemployed husband and was too tired to have a bible study. I asked if I could pray with Merill for her and we prayed for cancer in her back, employment for her husband and that the Joy of the Lord would be her strength.

The people have hard lives and God can make a difference. He longs to, and without him what hope is there?

From Pastor Scott

2009-04-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for praying for me. I am feeling a lot better, bodily functions have returned and I've had some Jollibee (Philippines version of KFC) for lunch.

I'm frustrated that I did not get to preach this morning but I'm sure David would have done a reasonable job though. :-) the rest of the team is having Ballut for lunch - this is a Philippines delicacy of a boiled fertilised duck egg. I had this last time I was in Philippines and besides a crunchy cartilage yolk tasted pretty much like egg.

Scott feeling a lot better

2009-04-25T20:53:00.000-07:00

You guys are great prayers!!!

It is 1155am Philippines time and Scott is feeling well, his body is working, no more vomiting and tolerating food. Thanks guys. You are our partners in this trip.

Although we (Scott & Anne) have not been able to go to church this morning we have been surrounded by prayer and worship with the Baptist Church downstairs, the SOS church plant down the road and the 1st Assembly Angono interceding as well.

This week is going to be fantastic!

Day 2 - Sunday Services

2009-04-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

Today the team breaks into two. Scott & Anne stay behind in Holy Spirit while the remainder of the Aussie team go to Pasor Rick's church to preach, worship and share in fellowship.

The SOS team (in Holy Spirit) are conducting a church service for some of the new believers and other church attenders. This is only a few blocks away. Next week is the grand opening of the new church and we worship god together today and ask for Him to open more doors this week into the lives of the lost in our vicinity. Tomorrow we continue going door to door and visit people in their homes for bible study.

Thanks for your prayer journey with us. More from the team soon.

Unwell team member

2009-04-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

Pastor Scott Maddrell has had vomiting and dehydration leading to difficuty with other bodily functions. He continues to be in some distress now on Sunday morning at 9am Philippines time. Please pray for restoration of fluids and salts and relief from the strong cramping abdominal pains. Fortunately we were able to aquire some injections to help with vomiting, and Scott is resting now. It's a good reminder to the team to be aware of hydration and hygiene. None want the team nurse to give them the same attention as Scott had last evening.

Baptism of 23 new Believers!

2009-04-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Arriving mid morning we attended the second teaching seminar which was on baptism and in the afternoon we had the priviledge to witness 23 baptisms at the local swimming pool. These people hadn't met Jesus before the last 2 weeks. Awesome!

Pray for the continued growth a dicipleship of these new young believers over the coming weeks and months.

Our Destination The (Shire) Barangay - Holy Spirit

2009-04-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

The area we are working in has a radius of about 10 blocks, which has about 10 000 people and is a part of a Shire (Barangay) of about 150 000 people. The Baptist school we are based at is in the middle of urban poor, with small, cramped, impoverished living conditions. The team have been able to start 70 bible studies in this area in the past two weeks with 4-10 people in each bible study. The goal is to join these groups into larger bible studies so the pioneer pastor can manage the follow-up his new church.

Day 1 - Travel to meet the team

2009-04-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

We drove on Commonwelath Road an 8 lane highway (both ways) out to Quezon City, BarangayHoly Spirit to meet the team we will be working alongside.

We passed the Ignatius Christos church, seating 5000, which is a strong sect in Manilla. Some sources say 7 out of 10 people belong to this sect. They use the bible but don't believe in Christ's divintity nor the Holy Spirit, and belonging to the church is all you need to go to heaven. New converts are followed up for 20 days every day with indoctrination and there s a resistance in this group of people to the gospel. Please pray for the power and Person of Jesus to show them His divinity through prayers for healing and other signs to them.

Team arrives

2009-04-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

A breakfast together at the start of Team training

A welcome chocolate on the pillow, a map of the Philippines and a local SIM card for the first night in Manila !

We met with Pastor Rick Alay, the Assistant Superintendent of the local District of churches. He graciously took us for a vsit to Rizal Park where we could see some of the history of the Philippines. A Filipino lunch, a debrief and a swim, and we are getting ready to meet the SOS Team in our target area.

Please pray

2009-04-15T05:09:00.000-07:00

April 23 2009
We fly to Manila, Philippines.
April 24
Team training in Manila
April 25
We join a Filipino team who are into the 3rd and final week of church planting.
Target place: Barangay Holy Spirit, Commonwealth, Quezon City

The goal is the Grand Opening Service on May 3 when the new church is formed in the target place.

Pray for
¨ Safety in Target area
¨ Miracles signs and wonders
¨ Relationships established with Filipino teams
¨ Powerful testimonies
¨ Team unity
¨ Boldness
¨ Effective communication

2009-04-13T06:10:00.000-07:00

SOS Teams have a well-developed strategy. Week 1 majors on CONTACTing people and engaging Bible Studies. Week 2 majors on CONVERT, and Week 3 majors on CONGREGATE, culminating in the first church service in the target area.