May 31 (Bible Study)
We have resumed our home visitations here in Tuguegarao. Our first visit was to Sister Cheng Vicencio and her daughter Fiona. Ces, who has been attending church but is not yet a Christian, was also present.
We studied the lesson titled "In Christ." I was joined by the three elders from the Tuguegarao congregation, as well as Brother Tom Meehan.
June 1 (Sunday Worships)
During our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, Brother Jun Rimando concluded his lesson on Luke 23. He did an excellent job teaching the entire chapter, especially considering it was his first time leading a study.
For the sermon, Brother Rody preached from the second chapter of the book of Esther. An invitation was extended afterward, and we rejoice that Ces finally decided to obey the gospel. He was baptized immediately after the worship service.
In the afternoon, Brothers Tom and Rody asked if they could come with me to Palca. I informed the brethren there, and when the brethren in Dagupan heard about it, they also decided to join us. Brother Rody delivered the sermon during our gathering.
June 2
I traveled to Dagupan once again to continue working on our chapel. There is still much to be done, especially now that the rainy season has begun.
June 4 (Midweek service)
We were blessed to have Brother James Attaban share a message during our Bible study here in Tuguegarao. He preached a timely and encouraging lesson on “A Faith That Is Genuine.”
This message came at the right moment, especially as some of our brethren here in Tuguegarao have been expressing in our group chat their struggles with faith due to life’s hardships. The lesson brought much-needed encouragement and enlightenment to them.
June 5 (Bible Study)
I was invited by Brother Boni Morales to preach in Malacabibi, Solana. We visited the home of Mrs. Janet Tangaron, who is not yet a Christian, and none of her family members are either.
Brother Efren Respicio was the first to share a message, preaching on the topic "How to Gain Eternal Life." I followed with a lesson titled "God’s Hand in Our House." After the preaching, we engaged in a meaningful discussion where many of Mrs. Tangaron’s questions were thoughtfully answered.
Please include her and her family in your prayers—that in God's perfect time, they may come to know and obey the gospel.
June 7 (Wedding)
We had the privilege of attending the wedding of our sister in Christ, Dina Santiago, a faithful member of the Lord’s church in Palca. She was united in marriage with brother Tom Meehan from New York, who is also a devoted Christian.
In the evening, we had the opportunity to visit sister Marvie Ortaleza and her family. All her children are Christians but her husband is not. He is also not with us during out visit. We studied about what a christian should do...
June 8 (Sunday Worships)
Our scheduled Bible study teacher, Brother Paul John, was unable to attend as he and his wife needed to travel to the next town due to the passing of her aunt. Brother Rody stepped in and did an excellent job, summarizing the lessons from Luke chapters 22 and 23. He also delivered the sermon, preaching from Esther chapter 3.
In the afternoon at Palca, one of our young men, Brother Dave, delivered a powerful message titled "He is My Brother, and He is Not an Encumbrance." He did a great job sharing the message and encouraging the brethren.
Meanwhile, in Dagupan, another young brother, Brother Jhian, also preached a sermon. His lesson focused on the timely and relevant topic, "Why Do Christians Suffer?"
June 9-13
We continued our work on the chapel in Dagupan throughout this week. However, this will be our last week of construction for now, as our available funds have been fully used up.
We continue to pray and trust that, in God's time, we will be able to resume and complete the work.
June 14 (Bible Study)
We attended the Bible study at Sampaguita Church, where we were joined by an American brother, Craig Myer, who will be working with us in several congregations throughout the week.
During the Bible study, Brother Fernando Duque was the first to share a message, preaching from 1 Chronicles 28:9. He was followed by Brother Craig, who delivered a lesson based on Acts 16:9–10.
June 15 (Sunday Worships)
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, Brother Flor stepped in to teach, as Brother Paul John is still unavailable. He did a great job covering the entire chapter of Luke 24.
For the sermon, I had the opportunity to preach on the topic “God’s Hand in Our House.”
In the afternoon at Palca, Brother Jay joined us once again and delivered a message entitled “Safest Seat.”
Later, I also had the opportunity to preach in Dagupan, sharing the same lesson: “God’s Hand in Our House.”
June 17 (Bible Study)
We went to Baculud, Amulung, where Brother Jimmy Duque had made a new contact. We visited the home of the Vargas family, where we held a Bible study.
Brother Craig Myer preached a powerful message titled “The Two Lions.” I helped by summarizing the lesson in our own language to ensure everyone clearly understood the message.
After the invitation was extended, we rejoiced as one precious soul, Lyca Mae, decided to obey the gospel. We brought her to the baptistery at Calamagui, where she was immersed in baptism.
We visited the San Luis Church, where Brother Rogelio Esperanza serves as the preacher. Brother Craig Myer was our guest speaker once again and delivered a message based on Galatians 6:2. As suggested by the brethren, I provided a summary of the lesson in our local language to help with better understanding.
In the afternoon, we went to Palca and held a Bible study at the home of Sister Emy Rivard. Sadly, her husband Brother Ricky had already flown back to the U.S. last Friday.
During the Bible study, Brother Craig preached from Acts 2:36–47, and Brother Jimmy Duque gave the summary of the lesson in our language.
In the evening, we held our midweek service at the Tuguegarao Church. Brother Jay was our scheduled speaker, and he shared the lesson titled “Safest Seat.”
We traveled to Minagbag, Quezon, where Brother Jay Gumpad is serving as the local preacher. We held a Bible study at the home of Brother Ranjet Layus.
Brother Craig Myer once again shared a meaningful lesson, this time on the topic “Description of Death.” The message was later summarized by Brother Jerome to help the brethren better understand the lesson.
We visited the Cataruan Church, where Brother Jun Antonio serves as the local preacher.
Brother David was our first speaker and delivered an encouraging lesson on “Living by the Will of God.” He was followed by Brother Craig Myer, who preached from Proverbs 27:8–9.
To ensure clarity and understanding, Brother Jerome once again provided a summary of the lesson in our local language.
During our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, we officially completed the study of the entire book of Luke. Brother Rody gave a summary of the book to conclude the series. He also preached the sermon, focusing on Esther chapter 4.
In Palca, Brother Robert delivered the sermon titled “Who Do You Want to Follow?” Although it wasn’t the original lesson he had prepared, he felt the need to change the message due to the presence of visitors. It turned out to be timely and fitting for the occasion.
In Dagupan, we invited Brother Mario Garma to preach. He shared a wonderful and thought-provoking lesson on “Kinds of Christians?”
We had the opportunity to visit a new contact in a new area—Dunggan, Rizal. We went to the home of Mrs. Gil Aggalut, where the entire household is Catholic.
Brother Ronald Valdez shared a lesson on “The True Church,” which opened the door for further discussion and questions after the preaching. It was a meaningful and engaging visit, and we pray for continued opportunities to share the gospel in this area.
In the evening, during our midweek Bible study here in Tuguegarao, we were joined by Brother Craig Myer, who shared an encouraging message titled “Christians Who Died in the Lord.”
June 26 (Bible Study)
We were invited by Brother Marcelo Duminguez to hold a Bible study at his home in Minagbag, Quezon. He invited many of his relatives to join the gathering as a way of giving thanks to God for His continued providence.
Earlier this month, Brother Marcelo was involved in an accident while driving his tractor to the field—he was unexpectedly hit by a van. By God’s grace, he did not suffer any injuries, but during a medical checkup, kidney stones were discovered, and he underwent surgery.
Out of deep gratitude, he organized the Bible study and generously shared a meal with everyone present. As what we usually do, we sang hymns, offered prayers, and listened to God’s Word. Brother Rogelio preached a fitting lesson on “Thanksgiving to God.”
In the evening, along with the elders from Tuguegarao, we visited Sister Rebecca Darauay and her family. We held a Bible study to encourage them to remain faithful despite the hardships they are facing.
We also spoke with her grandson, who has been regularly attending worship services. We took time to teach and encourage him about the importance of obedience to the Lord.
We had the opportunity to visit Brother Mike and Sister Elsa Darby. Brother Mike, originally from Alaska, met Sister Elsa through a mutual friend, and they are now happily married. Both are faithful Christians who continue to serve the Lord together.
However, Sister Elsa asked for prayers for her children from her first husband, who has passed away. They are not yet Christians. Her son is currently serving as a Navy crew member on a ship, while her daughter is studying Law.
During our visit, we sang hymns and prayed together as a way of praising God. We also studied Psalm 100, reflecting on His goodness and faithfulness.
Please include Sister Elsa’s children in your prayers, that in God’s time, they may also come to know and obey the gospel.
June 29 (Sunday worships)
Time truly flies—it’s hard to believe we’ve already completed the first half of the year. For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, we have now begun studying the book of John. Brother Rody led the session by teaching the introduction to the book. I will be handling the discussion on chapter one, which is rich with important points and may take several weeks to go through thoroughly.
For the sermon, Brother Rody preached and shared a message from Esther chapter 5. After the lesson, an invitation was extended, and we rejoice that the grandson of Sister Rebecca responded and obeyed the gospel. He was baptized into Christ, and we give all glory to God for this wonderful decision.
Being the last Sunday of the month, our worship services in Palca and Dagupan were held simultaneously, as requested by both congregations.
I went to Palca and preached the lesson titled “God’s Hand in Our House.” I was very encouraged by the attendance—the chapel was full! In my excitement and joy while fellowshipping with everyone, I completely forgot to take even a single photo as I was busy chatting with the brethren until we left.
Brother Robert went to Dagupan and led the service there. We finished earlier in Palca, so I was still able to catch up and listen to part of his sermon afterward.
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