December 3 (Midweek Service)
During our recent Bible study in Tuguegarao, brother Rody presented a lesson on the topic “Miracles.” The lesson was delivered in view of the presence of newly baptized brethren in Christ who previously came from a Pentecostal background.
The purpose of the study was to help them understand the biblical purpose of miracles during the time of Christ and the apostles, and to clarify the teaching that miraculous gifts have already ceased. Brother Rody emphasized that miracles were given to confirm the word of God and to establish the authority of Jesus Christ and His apostles, and that faith today is grounded in the completed revelation of Scripture.
December 4
We went to Aquib, Piat upon the invitation of brother Dennis Yuson. Upon our arrival, we first distributed Bible tracts throughout the village. After the distribution, we proceeded to the house of brother Jose Tablac where a Bible study was conducted.
During the study, brother Manny Pader shared a meaningful lesson on the life of David. The lesson encouraged the brethren by highlighting David’s faith, obedience, and reliance on God despite trials and challenges. The activity was edifying and strengthened the spiritual understanding of those who attended.
December 6
We traveled early to Caugingan, Pamplona, where brother Daniel Tiongson is preaching. We were hoping to see both brother Ron Halbrook and brother Mark Wallace during this visit; however, brother Ron was hospitalized at that time due to stomach problems. We are thankful to God that after about three days, he was discharged from the hospital and was able to continue with his preaching schedule.
This was my first time visiting the congregation there. I had not seen brother Daniel for almost fifteen years, since the time they came here for the preachers’ training. In the past, there were some misunderstandings among the brethren, but we are grateful that everything has now been resolved. Both groups were able to reconcile and settle their differences.
During the gospel meeting, brother Mark Wallace delivered a powerful lesson entitled “Hell Is No Joke.” The meeting place was full, with some brethren standing outside due to the large attendance. Although there were no baptisms during the meeting, everyone was edified and encouraged by the lesson.
December 7 (Sunday Worships)
During our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Flor began a lesson from John chapter 9, covering verses 1 to 12. He discussed the account of the man born blind and emphasized the spiritual lessons drawn from the passage.
During the study, I was also given the opportunity to share a lesson, as brother Rody was accompanying brother Ron in the Ilocos Region for two weeks. I presented a lesson entitled “Why Do People Die?”, which focused on the biblical explanation of death and God’s plan for mankind.
The study was edifying and beneficial to the brethren in attendance.
In the afternoon at Palca, brother Robert shared a lesson entitled “Traditions of Men.” The lesson emphasized the importance of distinguishing God’s commandments from human traditions and encouraged the brethren to remain faithful to the teachings of Scripture.
Later in Dagupan, I had the opportunity to present a lesson entitled “A Blessing That Changes Our Lives.” The lesson focused on the transformative blessings found in Christ and how obedience to the gospel brings lasting change to a person’s life.
Both gatherings were edifying and encouraging to the brethren in attendance.
December 10 (Midweek Service)
We were blessed to have two visitors from the United States at the Main Street Church in Kentucky. Although I do not know them personally, they are guests of brother Robert and brother Jeremy Pader. According to them, they have been in contact with each other for almost three years.
The visiting brethren are brother Charles Castelo and brother Jeremy Glass. They are not preachers but faithful members of their congregation. Each of them shared a short lesson with us, which was encouraging to the brethren.
Unfortunately, I was not able to personally speak with them after the study, as I had to go home immediately due to illness. I was experiencing a migraine at that time, which also made it difficult for me to fully concentrate during the lessons.
December 11 (Gospel Meeting)
I attended the gospel meeting at the Cadaanan Church, where brother Efren Respicio is preaching. He invited me to join in the work, during which two American brethren were also present as speakers.
Brother Charles was one of the speakers during the meeting. I noticed that he presented the same lesson on several occasions, using the same chart illustrating heaven and hell. I understand this, as they are not full-time preachers.
The attendance was very good, even though, according to the brethren, many were unable to attend due to school and work responsibilities. An invitation was extended at the end of the meeting, and we rejoice that two souls obeyed the gospel.
We give thanks to God for the encouragement of the brethren and for the souls added to the Lord’s church.
December 13 (Gospel Meeting)
I also attended the gospel meeting at San Luis Church, where brother Rogelio Esperanza is preaching. The two American brethren were present and also shared lessons during the meeting. I had the opportunity to serve as the translator for brother Jeremy Glass. It was challenging at times due to his speaking style, but I did my best to help the brethren understand the message.
An invitation was extended at the end of the meeting, and we rejoiced that three precious souls obeyed the gospel. We are grateful to God for the success of the meeting and for the continued growth of His church.
December 14 (Sunday Worship)
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Flor continued his lesson from John 9:13–34. During the sermon, I also preached a lesson entitled “Anywhere,” based on Psalm 139:7–8, emphasizing that there is no place where we can hide from the presence of God.
In the afternoon at Palca, I shared the same lesson with the brethren there.
Later in Dagupan, brother Robert presented a lesson entitled “How Do We Face Trials?” As we always do in every worship service, an invitation was extended. We rejoice that two precious souls obeyed the gospel and were added to the Lord’s church.
The first is Gracela, a 12-year-old young lady who has been faithfully attending our worship services with her parents. After continued instruction, she decided to obey the gospel. The second is Mikayla, a 20-year-old who returned to Dagupan last month. Since her return, she has consistently attended the services and, by God’s grace, also decided to obey the gospel.
Both were baptized in Palca, as we have not yet constructed a baptistery in Dagupan. We are still working on the ceiling of the building, and our current funds are not sufficient to accommodate the construction of a baptistery at this time. We are hopeful and prayerful that, within this year, we will also be able to build one there.
December 17 (Midweek Service)
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Flor shared a meaningful lesson entitled “Paul: A Life of Purpose.” The lesson encouraged the brethren by highlighting the apostle Paul’s dedication, faithfulness, and commitment to serving the Lord despite trials and hardships.
December 19
We traveled to Baguio on December 18 to be with brother Rody and the other brethren there. On December 19, we went to a resort where we met with the brethren from the Guisad Church. During this gathering, four young people expressed their desire to obey the gospel. Before the baptism, we had a short Bible study with them and sang spiritual songs together.
This activity was not part of our original plan, as our purpose in going to Baguio was simply to fetch brother Rody and sister Tessie and then travel back to Tuguegarao on December 20. However, this event clearly showed the power of the gospel at work.
Prior to this visit, I had not heard about the congregation at Guisad, as I was only aware of two congregations in Baguio. This was also my first time meeting brother Rey Lebatique and brother Fernan Bautista. I had the opportunity to talk with them and offer encouragement, especially considering the difficult situation they are facing in the area. They also expressed to me and brother Jay Gumpad their desire to schedule preaching activities for us the next time we visit Baguio.
We pray that the Lord will grant us that opportunity, so that we may help, even in a small way, to edify the brethren there.
December 21 (Sunday Worships)
We arrived back in Tuguegarao at around 11:30 p.m. on the 20th. The following morning, we gathered for our regular worship service here in Tuguegarao.
During the Bible study, brother Jun Gumuiran began his lesson from the book of John, covering chapter 10, verses 1–10. The study focused on Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the importance of hearing and following His voice.
In the sermon, we were blessed to have brother Rosendo Gumpad with us, who traveled back to Tuguegarao with us for a visit. He is one of the preachers from Baguio and shared a meaningful and powerful lesson entitled “Always Ready.” The lesson encouraged the brethren to remain watchful, faithful, and prepared in their service to the Lord.
In Palca, brother Robert preached a lesson entitled “How Do We Fight Our Struggles?” The lesson encouraged the brethren to rely on God, remain faithful, and face life’s difficulties with perseverance and prayer.
In Dagupan, I had asked brother Jhian beforehand to prepare a lesson, as I was uncertain about my time of arrival. Although I was able to arrive in time, he kindly insisted on preaching. He shared a meaningful lesson from the life of Joseph, focusing on the theme of forgiveness and the importance of extending grace even in difficult circumstances.
December 22
We were invited by brother Angelo Borja to conduct a Bible study in connection with the celebration of their daughter’s first birthday. They invited many of their friends, and we held the Bible study at the church.
During the study, brother Jay shared a lesson entitled “Why Do We Give Thanks?” The lesson emphasized gratitude to God and recognizing His blessings in our lives.
After the Bible study, the Borja family kindly invited us to their home to join them in the celebration. We are thankful for the opportunity to study God’s word and to fellowship with them and their guests.
December 24 (Midweek service)
We continued the Bible study series that brother Rody had started concerning the covenants in the Bible. On this occasion, he presented a lesson on the “Priesthood Covenant.” The study helped the brethren better understand God’s plan and the role of the priesthood as revealed in Scripture.
December 26
On this day, we attended two funeral services. Both of the deceased were not Christians; however, the brethren who invited us to preach are members of the church here in Tuguegarao.
We first went to the wake of Mrs. Leticia Aglay, the mother of sister Alona Luyun, where a short funeral service was conducted.
After that, we proceeded to the wake of Mr. Dindo Casballedo, the brother-in-law of sister Lanie Panopio. He was a village councilor in their area, which is why many people were in attendance. This provided an opportunity to share God’s word and offer comfort and hope from the Scriptures to those present.
December 28 (Sunday Services)
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Jun shared a lesson from John 10:11–21. After the Bible study, we needed to leave immediately, as our worship service in Dagupan was scheduled earlier that Sunday.
In Dagupan, brother Robert preached a lesson from Proverbs 3:1–5, encouraging the brethren to trust in the Lord and rely on His guidance in all aspects of life.
Later in Palca, I preached a lesson entitled “A Thankful Heart for the Past, a Faithful Step into the New Year.” After the worship service, we gathered at the house of sister Fermina for a thanksgiving fellowship. We hold this gathering every end of the year. This activity was no longer part of the formal work of the church, and no church funds were used. The purpose was simply to spend time together, share a meal, and enjoy quality fellowship while thanking God for all the blessings He has given us.
December 29
We traveled to Angadanan, Isabela, where the sister of brother Rody resides. They invited us to conduct a Bible study in their home in connection with a thanksgiving celebration for their daughter’s birthday and for her successful passing of the board examination.
During the Bible study, brother Sammy Graneta and brother Rody both shared lessons centered on thanksgiving to God, reminding those in attendance to acknowledge the Lord as the source of all blessings.
December 31 (Midweek Service)
In our final Bible study of the year, brother Rody shared a very interesting lesson entitled “The Christian and Facebook.” The lesson was adapted from brother Steve Higginbothom, whom I do not personally know, but the content was very practical and beneficial for everyone. It provided valuable guidance on how Christians should conduct themselves on social media, encouraging wisdom, accountability, and faithfulness in the digital age.
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