Update on the works of the Lord: Preaching activities from September 3 to 28, 2025

By God’s grace, the month of September was filled with many opportunities to preach, teach, and encourage brethren in different congregations and localities. The following are the highlights and activities conducted during the month:

September 3

We went to San Luis for a Bible study. During the session, brother Jerry delivered a good lesson of encouragement. After the Bible study, we went around the village to distribute Bible tracts, sharing God’s Word with the community and encouraging others to seek Him. It was a fruitful time of both teaching and outreach.

In the evening, we held our midweek service where Brother Boni delivered a lesson from 1 Peter 5:8-10, reminding the brethren to be watchful and steadfast in the faith.

September 6 – Bible Study

We visited the congregation in Tupang, Alcala where Brother Fernando Duque is preaching. I shared a lesson on “Children are a gift from God,” encouraging families to treasure their children as blessings from the Lord.

It was also the first birthday of Breil Sandin, and we joined the family in celebrating this special occasion for their baby.

September 7 - Sunday Worship

In our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, Brother Anthony delivered a message from John 3:1-15, focusing on the necessity of being “born again” to enter the kingdom of God. Brother Rody followed with a lesson from Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the importance of living a life with purpose under God’s guidance. The messages were well received, and as the Word of God was preached, hearts were moved.

At the close of the service, the invitation was extended, and by God’s grace, five precious souls responded in obedience to the gospel. With joy and thanksgiving, we witnessed the baptism of Auera, Amelia, Stephanie, Reevo, and Joseph. Truly, this was a moment of great encouragement, reminding us that God continues to work in the lives of those who seek Him.

Meanwhile, in Palca, I preached the lesson “Things Jesus Did Not Say,” correcting common misconceptions about the Bible and pointing the listeners back to the true words of Christ.

In Dagupan, Brother Robert shared a powerful message on “What does God need from us?”—challenging the brethren to offer God sincere obedience, faith, and worship rather than mere lip service.

September 10 - Midweek Service

For our midweek service here in Tuguegarao, we were blessed to have visitors from Tarlac. The elders gave them the opportunity to preach during our Bible study. Brother Rudy Yap delivered a heartfelt message on Forgiveness, reminding the brethren that as we have been forgiven through Christ, we must also extend forgiveness to others. Brother Archie Alarcon shared a lesson on Noah and the Flood, emphasizing God’s righteousness, patience, and the importance of obedience even in the midst of a sinful generation.

After the lessons, the invitation was once again extended. By God’s mercy, one precious soul obeyed the gospel (Aiza). Her decision to put on Christ in baptism was a source of great joy and encouragement to the brethren. We praise God for adding another soul into His kingdom. Sorry I didn't have a photo of the baptism.

September 12

I was advised by my doctor to undergo a whole abdomen ultrasound after my liver test showed unusually high results. Thankfully, the results revealed only a minor issue—not with my liver, but with my kidney. The doctor prescribed medication for maintenance, and I am grateful that the condition is manageable.

September 13 – Gospel Meeting

A Gospel Meeting was held in Alibago, Enrile where brother James Attaban is preaching. I was originally invited to be the speaker for this event, but since brother Jun Gumpad and his family—who currently reside in Michigan—were visiting the Philippines, I gladly gave him the opportunity to take my place. However, when the day of the Gospel Meeting arrived, brother Jun was unfortunately sick with fever and had to be hospitalized. Because of this, the responsibility returned to me, and I was given the chance once again to preach.

I delivered the lesson “Do not neglect your salvation,” which was well received by the brethren. Some of the preachers who attended approached me afterward and asked for a copy of my outline. I gladly shared it with them so they could also use it to encourage their congregations. Following my lesson, brother Boni Morales spoke on Worship, and brother Rody Gumpad concluded the meeting with a powerful message on “The wiles of the devil.”

It was a blessed occasion not only for the local congregation but also for the many visitors and preachers who came to hear God’s Word.

September 14 - Sunday Worship

For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, Brother Anthony delivered a lesson from John 3:16-36 while Brother Rody preached from the Song of Solomon. The invitation was extended, and by God’s grace, two souls obeyed the gospel and were baptized into Christ.

In Palca, Brother Robert preached on the theme “Jesus as God.” Even though the congregation faced heavy rain and many of the brethren were sick, the service continued faithfully, showing the dedication of the members to hear God’s Word.

In Dagupan, I preached the lesson entitled “Kahit Ano” (Anything) from Philippians 4:13, emphasizing that we can endure and accomplish all things through Christ who gives us strength.

September 17 – Santo Tomas

We conducted the burial service of brother Telesforo Martin Jr. I was asked to deliver the message entitled “Appointed to die.” Brother Rogelio, their local preacher, shared with me that Brother Telesforo was among the first converts of the congregation. He lived a faithful Christian life and had accomplished much in service to the church. His passing was deeply felt, but his legacy of faith continues to inspire the brethren he has left behind.

Later in the evening, during our midweek service in Tuguegarao, brother Jun Gumpad preached from Jude 17-23 with the lesson “How to contend earnestly for the faith.” His message served as a timely reminder for the brethren to remain steadfast in the truth and to stand firm against false teachings.

September 18 – Cabuluan, Ballesteros

We traveled early in the morning to Cabuluan East, Ballesteros, a trip that took us about three hours due to heavy traffic in many of the towns we passed. The occasion was a special invitation from brother Sherwin Miranda, who hosted a Bible study in their home in celebration of his birthday together with his youngest son.

During the gathering, brother Rody delivered a message on “The Spirit of Thanksgiving,” encouraging everyone to cultivate a grateful heart toward God in all circumstances. It was a joyful and uplifting occasion, as both family and brethren were united in worship, fellowship, and thanksgiving to the Lord.

September 21 - Sunday Worship

In our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Flor preached from John 4:1-22, reminding the brethren of the living water that only Christ can provide. Brother Rody followed with a message from Isaiah, pointing to God’s holiness and His call for His people to remain faithful.

In Palca, I shared the lesson on “Anything” from Philippians 4:13, emphasizing that through Christ’s strength we are able to endure trials and accomplish God’s work.

In Dagupan, brother Robert preached from Galatians 1:8-9 and Matthew 15:9-10, warning against false teachings and stressing the importance of holding firmly to the true gospel.

September 22, 24,25

I accompanied my mother to all her laboratory tests due to long-standing stomach problems. She has been dealing with this condition for nearly 30 years. All necessary tests were performed, with the final one being a CT scan. While the results of the other tests have already been received, we are still waiting for the CT scan results. Please include her in your prayers for guidance, healing, and comfort.

September 24 - Midweek Service

For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Rody preached on the parable of the Prodigal Son with the theme “In a Far Country.” His message emphasized the consequences of straying away from God and the abundant mercy of the Father who is always ready to forgive and receive back His children who repent. The lesson served as a reminder of both the dangers of sin and the hope of restoration through God’s grace.

September 27 – Gospel Meeting (Maligaya, Tumauini)

Another Gospel Meeting was held in Maligaya, Tumauini, where brother Victor Sinon is preaching. The travel normally takes about an hour, but because of heavy rains and the flooding caused by the recent typhoon, it took us nearly three hours to reach the venue.

When we arrived, brother Edgar was already at the last part of his lesson. He was followed by brother Rody, who preached on “God Answers Prayer.” The message encouraged the brethren to remain steadfast in prayer, trusting that God hears and responds according to His will.

By God’s grace, the Lord blessed us with three baptisms—Alvin, Denver, and DJ—a joyful reminder that even in times of hardship and inconvenience, God’s Word continues to touch hearts and bring souls into His kingdom.

September 28 - Sunday Worship

For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Flor delivered a message from John 4:22-54, while brother Jun preached on “Could the apostles forgive sin?” The lessons were well received and provided encouragement and guidance to the brethren in their daily walk with God.

It was the last Sunday of the month, but our schedule was adjusted at the request of the brethren. We began our worship in Dagupan at 10:30 a.m., following the invitation of brother Tony to celebrate the birthday of his daughter. They also invited their friends to join the worship, and we were happy to see them attend. During this service, brother Robert preached on “The Everlasting Covenant of God,” reminding the congregation of God’s faithful promises throughout generations.