August 2 (Gospel Meeting)
We were invited by brother Joden Cabanilla in Caligayan, Tumauini. He is a newly converted brother, formerly a pastor in one of the Pentecostal groups. Since leaving his previous church, he has been striving to share the truth with others, and he hopes that many of them will one day be converted to true Christianity.
Because he is still new to the doctrine of Christ that we preach, he asked for our help. I was given the privilege to be the first speaker, and I spoke on “The Church and Salvation” (Acts 2 and 10). Brother Jay followed with the lesson on “The Kinds of Listeners”, and brother Rody concluded with “The Value of the Soul.”
An invitation was extended, and we rejoice that three young ladies — Reynelyn, Joyline, and Shama — came forward to confess their faith. We then proceeded to baptize them in a nearby river, about 100 meters from the meeting place.
In the evening, we visited sister Claire Lacambra and her three children. Her husband is currently working at an airport in Dubai. We had a good conversation with her about the goodness of Christ and her experiences since becoming a Christian. We also sang spiritual songs, offered prayers, and brother Rody shared a lesson on “The Law of Christ.”
I would also like to add a special prayer request for sister Claire. On August 23, when I brought my son to the doctor, I happened to meet her. She had just come from the attorney’s office and was in tears. She shared that she is seeking the deportation of her husband because he committed adultery and got another woman pregnant abroad. Please include sister Claire and her children in your prayers as they go through this difficult time.
August 3 (Sunday Worships)
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Flor continued with the second part of our lesson from the booklet of brother Mike Willis, covering John 1:18–28. In the sermon, brother Rody preached from the book of Proverbs. An invitation was extended, and we rejoice that a mother, Mrs. Merly Pugyao, confessed her faith. She has been attending our worship for almost a month already. Her sibling, sister Mercy, together with her entire family, are already faithful members of the Lord’s church. Truly, it is a beautiful sight to see a whole family serving the Lord together.
In the afternoon at Palca, I preached the lesson “Be Saved Now, Not Later.” Since brother Ricky Rickard is back from the U.S., I delivered the message in both English and Ilocano.
Meanwhile, in Dagupan, brother Robert preached and delivered a powerful lesson on “The Consequences of Apostasy (Falling Away).”
August 6 (Tracts distribution and bible study)
We went once again to Villa Laida after being invited by the village chieftain last week for a Bible study in their village hall. However, due to an incident that happened the night before, the hall was unavailable and very busy. Instead, we held the Bible study at the home of Mrs. Melvie Alejandro, and we also distributed tracts around the area.
While there, I was glad to meet some brethren from Dagupan who have moved into the village. This gives us hope that, with continued effort, we may be able to establish a new congregation in the place. Although I may not be able to serve as the local preacher myself—since I am already working with three congregations—there are other faithful preachers who could possibly take on the work in Villa Laida.
We were invited by brother Samuel Bucao in Karagawan, Kabugao. It took us about two hours to travel using our motorbike. Cars can also be used to reach the area, but they must be parked along the highway, followed by a 5-kilometer walk. With motorbikes, however, we were able to go directly to the exact place. The ride was quite challenging as we crossed a hanging bridge, passed through small rivers, and traveled along rocky and muddy roads. Yet, it was all worth it because we were able to see and encourage our brethren there.
We held a Bible study in their chapel, which is an open building. When it rains, it becomes very difficult for them to worship. Brother Edgar Corpuz shared a lesson from Ephesians 2:1–11, and Brother Emer Yuson spoke on Hebrews 11:1 — What is Faith? Both lessons were very uplifting. The brethren once again expressed their desire for us to visit them in the near future.
August 10 (Sunday Worships)
In our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, Brother Flor continued with his part of the lesson from John 1:29–34. For this month, it is my turn to preach in our worship services since Brother Rody is on a preaching trip together with Brother Keith Greer and Brother Andy Alexander. I was also blessed with the opportunity to share a lesson entitled “Women of Purpose” with the congregation.
In Palca, Brother Robert delivered an uplifting lesson on “Things that God Wants from Us.” The message reminded the brethren of God’s expectations for His people—not only in worship but also in daily living—showing that true obedience involves both heart and action.
Meanwhile, in Dagupan, I was able to preach the lesson “How to Know that You Are Dying Spiritually?” The sermon emphasized the importance of self-examination, being alert to spiritual decline, and renewing our faith before it is too late. The brethren were encouraged to stay strong and active in their service to God.
August 13-15 (Preaching trip)
We began a long trip to the Ilocos Region. On the 13th, we first went to Pagudpud to visit the relatives of Brother Jun Antonio. For a short while, we were also able to share with them the Word of God.
The next day, the 14th, we traveled to Dingras, Ilocos Norte to attend the Bible lectureship. The speakers were Brother Keith Greer and Brother Andy Alexander. We were eager to see them as their Philippine trip did not include our region. The theme of the lectureship was about the “Holy Spirit.” It was a four-day event, and we attended on the last day. Even though we missed the earlier sessions, the speakers provided a summary of all the lessons, which greatly helped us in understanding the whole study.
After the lectures, we had meaningful conversations with several preachers who attended, and we were able to make plans for future works together. When everything concluded, we traveled to San Luis, La Union, and stayed at the home of Brother Rodel Baagin. The following day, we journeyed back home—leaving at 5 in the morning and arriving at 9 in the evening.
August 17 (Sunday Worships)
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, Brother Flor concluded his part of the lesson from John 1:35–51. In the sermon, I was also able to preach the lesson “How to Know You Are Dying Spiritually?”
In the afternoon, at Palca, I shared the same lesson, “How to Know You Are Dying Spiritually?” Then, in Dagupan, I preached on the topic “Do Not Neglect Your Salvation.” Brother Robert was unable to come with me due to illness, so I was the one who delivered the lessons in both congregations.
August 19
We went to Limus, Kalinga upon the invitation of Brother Emer Yuson. It is a newly established congregation that had just observed their second Sunday of worship the week before. Once again, we needed to use our motorbikes to travel through difficult roads. However, unlike in Karagawan where we could ride directly to the exact place, in Limus we had to park along the highway and then walk through the mountain trails and cross a hanging bridge to reach their village.
There we met Bubut Baklayin, one of the attendees. He is not yet a Christian but previously held a high position in the UCCP (United Church of Christ in the Philippines). We had a very good conversation with him after the Bible study. Brother Jerome then shared a powerful lesson on Salvation, which was well received. We also distributed Bible tracts throughout the village.
Lord willing, we plan to return before the end of the month to continue encouraging them.
August 20 (Midweek service)
For our midweek Bible study here in Tuguegarao, we were blessed to have Brother Jay Gumpad as our speaker. He shared a meaningful lesson on “The Rich Fool” from Luke 12:13–21. The study reminded us of the danger of trusting in earthly possessions and forgetting the greater need for spiritual riches in Christ.
The lesson emphasized that life does not consist in the abundance of material things, but in living faithfully before God and preparing for eternity. It was a good reminder for all of us to be more mindful of our priorities and to invest in things that truly matter—our faith, our service to God, and our hope of eternal life.
August 21
We were invited by Brother Manny Pader to go to Bagunot, Baggao with the purpose of distributing tracts in the community. We are thankful that, through this effort, one household—the Paat Family—expressed their desire for us to share the Word of God with them.
The father, Mr. Marshall Paat, is slightly paralyzed and has difficulty walking. We continue to include him in our prayers, hoping not only for his health but also that he may one day become part of the family of God through obedience to the gospel. During our visit, Brother Jay shared a lesson on “The Need for Baptism,” which was both timely and encouraging.
August 22-23
We had scheduled several preaching activities in this days, but unfortunately, due to the continuous and heavy rains, we were not able to carry out the work as planned. We continue to pray for better weather conditions so that we can resume the visits and encourage our brethren in the different congregations.
August 24
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, it was now Brother Lino’s turn to continue our study in the book of John. He discussed John 2:1–7, focusing on the wedding in Cana and the lessons we can learn from Jesus’ first miracle.
In the sermon, I was able to preach on the lesson “Do Not Neglect Your Salvation,” reminding the brethren of the importance of holding fast to the truth and remaining faithful in our walk with Christ.
In Palca, we once again invited Brother Jay Gumpad to preach for us. It may now be possible for him to join us at least once every month, since he no longer has any work in the afternoons on Sundays. He delivered a very timely lesson on “Why Should I Seek the Right Church?”
While the worship was going on, I needed to drive Brother Robert to Dagupan since the time to begin their service was already near. After bringing him, I returned to Palca to finish the worship and also joined the brethren in discussing some of our plans after the service. Because of this, when I finally arrived in Dagupan, they were already in the closing part of their worship.
August 26
We were invited by Brother Ronald Valdez to go to Babayuan, Iguig for tract distribution. However, as soon as we arrived, light rains began to fall, so instead we visited the home of the Ancheta Family. They are new converts in the faith and are still working through some of their old beliefs and superstitions. One of their concerns was about departed souls disturbing them in their dreams.
To address this, Brother Edgar Corpuz delivered a lesson, beginning with Ephesians 6:10–20, reminding them of the spiritual armor God provides to overcome fear and stand firm in the truth. The message helped strengthen their faith and encouraged them to trust in the power of God’s Word rather than old superstitions.
We were invited by Brother Jimmy Duque to Gabut, Amulung. At present, there is no congregation in that area, though the nearest one is in Dugayong, where the people can attend. Initially, I thought I would not be able to go because I needed to accompany my mother to the doctor. However, since the doctor was not available, I was able to follow and join the preaching.
By the time I arrived, the Bible study had already started, with Brother Dennis Yuson delivering the lesson. The study was held at the home of the Gannaban and Ramos families. They are not yet Christians, but we are hopeful that through this effort, their hearts and minds will begin to reflect on the truth of God’s Word.
In the evening, we had our midweek service here in Tuguegarao. Brother Flor taught the lesson, focusing on the Parables of Readiness, reminding us to always be prepared for the coming of the Lord.
August 31 (Sunday Worships)
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, Brother Lino wrapped up his lesson on the second chapter of John. In the sermon, Brother Flor shared a message on “Rearing Your Children to Christ.”
Since it was the last Sunday of the month, we once again went early for our worship at Palca and Dagupan. Brother Robert went to Palca, while I went to Dagupan. Brother Jay Gumpad called me again asking if he could come along, so we agreed that he would be the one to preach. He shared a very timely lesson on “Finding the Right Church and Baptism.”
It was such a blessing because we had a few visitors with us. They even told us that they are already thinking about baptism, though they are still undecided. Please keep them in your prayers, that they may soon decide to obey Christ before it’s too late.
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