April 8
Our planned preaching schedule continues every first Wednesday of the month, with a Bible study held at Santo Tomas Church. During our recent gathering, we were blessed to have brother Wilfredo Agustin speak on the theme “Love Rooted in God,” while brother Joeben Jacobo delivered a lesson from Matthew 13:44–51.
We are also thankful that the siblings of the Balubal family, who recently laid their father to rest, were present. They humbly ask for our continued prayers as they prepare to return to their respective workplaces in Manila and Japan.
In the evening, we conducted our midweek service in Tuguegarao. One of our elders, brother Flor Constantino, shared an encouraging lesson about the Garden of Eden.
April 10
We are grateful and happy to host another Bible Lectureship here in Tuguegarao. By God’s grace, brother Mark Mayberry arrived on April 9. We were also encouraged by the presence of brethren from other congregations who came to join us.
Brother Mark preached a series of lessons on “Leadership in the Lord’s Church,” which he has been sharing in the different places he visits. We are thankful that he was able to share these lessons with us here in Tuguegarao.
As always, the invitation was extended to those who are willing to obey the gospel, and we rejoice that three precious souls came forward to confess their faith. One of them is Mrs. Laurencia Quines, who is from Palca, where I am currently preaching. She has been attending our worship services for about two months, and we are thankful that after being invited to attend the lectureship, she finally decided to obey the gospel.
April 12 (Sunday worships)
During our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Mark shared a lesson entitled “Running by the Rules,” emphasizing the importance of faithfully following God’s instructions in our Christian walk. In the sermon, he also preached on “Running with Patience,” encouraging the brethren to remain steadfast, enduring trials with faith as we continue our journey toward our heavenly goal.
In the afternoon at Palca, brother Robert preached a lesson from 1 Corinthians 8, emphasizing the importance of love, knowledge, and being mindful of our influence on others, especially in matters of conscience.
Later in Dagupan, I preached the second part of my lesson on the prodigal son, with a focus on stewardship and identity—highlighting our responsibility as God’s stewards and the need to recognize our true identity as His children.
At present, some of the brethren are already on their summer vacation. While a number of them have returned home, others have taken this opportunity to visit their relatives in different towns. April and May are the primary months when they are able to do this, so attendance varies during this season. Despite this, we remain thankful for those who continue to attend and stay active in the work.
April 13
We also had the opportunity to visit the congregation at Aquib, where brother Dennis Yuson is preaching. Brother Mark Mayberry served again as the main speaker and continued his series of lessons on “Leadership in the Lord’s Church.”
During the morning session, brother Mark delivered the first two parts of his lesson. To help the brethren who have difficulty understanding English, brother Efren Respicio and brother Gerald Ganela faithfully translated and summarized the lessons in the local language, making the message more accessible and meaningful to everyone present.
Brother Rody was also invited to preach, and he shared a lesson entitled “The Great Needs of the Church,” which encouraged the brethren to remain active, committed, and supportive in the work of the Lord.
In the afternoon, brother Mark completed the final two parts of his lesson. Brother Jay and I assisted by summarizing and translating the message for the congregation. Once again, the invitation was extended, and we rejoice that one precious soul obeyed the gospel. She was baptized in a nearby river, and we thank God for the addition of another soul to His church.
April 14
We also visited the congregation at San Vicente, where brother Joeben Jacobo, his father brother Celso Jacobo, and his brother-in-law brother Daniel Pasaraba are preaching. Brother Mark Mayberry once again served as the speaker and continued presenting the same series of lessons on “Leadership in the Lord’s Church.”
To help the brethren better understand the message, brother Gerald Ganela translated and summarized the lessons in the local language. Brother Rody was also given the opportunity to preach, and he shared a lesson entitled “Why Churches Fail,” which served as a timely reminder for the congregation to remain faithful and vigilant in their service.
I was not able to attend the afternoon session, as I needed to bring my wife to the doctor. However, I was later informed that two precious souls obeyed the gospel during that time, for which we give thanks to God.
April 15
For our midweek Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Mark Mayberry shared with us his lesson entitled “The Nature of Truth and Error.” This study helped the brethren better understand the importance of discerning truth from false teachings and remaining grounded in God’s Word.
On April 16, brother Mark departed to continue his work in other regions, where he will also be preaching the same series of lessons. We are thankful for the time he spent with us and for the spiritual encouragement he imparted to the congregation.
April 18
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Jun Rimando was originally scheduled to teach, but he had to attend a business meeting out of town. In his absence, brother Rody stepped in and led the study. He taught from John 14:1–31, encouraging the brethren to trust in the Lord and find comfort in His promises. In the sermon, he also preached from Daniel 12, reminding us of the hope of resurrection and the assurance of God’s final victory.
In the afternoon at Palca, I was able to preach a lesson entitled “Faith That Worships Before the Victory,” based on the account of Jehoshaphat, emphasizing the importance of trusting and honoring God even before the outcome is seen.
Later in Dagupan, brother Robert preached from 1 Corinthians 8, teaching about the proper use of knowledge and the need to act in love and consideration for others.
April 22
For our midweek service here in Tuguegarao, we were glad to welcome brother Harry Osborne, who arrived early in the morning. Over the past few days, we have been busy preparing for another Bible Lectureship where he will serve as the speaker.
During our Bible study that evening, brother Harry shared a lesson entitled “Approved by God,” encouraging the brethren to live in a way that is pleasing to the Lord and to remain faithful in their service.
April 23
This marks the first day of our Bible Lectureship, and we are greatly encouraged by the presence of many brethren from different congregations. Some have traveled long distances to be with us, coming from Tarlac, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Quirino Province. A number of them spent as much as seven hours traveling, which shows their dedication and desire to grow in the Word.
On this first day, brother Harry Osborne began a series of lessons centered on the theme “Recognizing Bible Truth vs. Doctrines of Men.” His messages challenged and encouraged the brethren to carefully examine teachings in light of Scripture and to remain steadfast in the truth.
For the second day of the lectureship, in addition to those who attended on the first day, another group of brethren joined us from Santiago, Ballesteros, Pamplona, and Piat. We are truly encouraged by the continued increase in attendance and the eagerness of the brethren to be part of this spiritual gathering.
For this day, brother Harry Osborne shared lessons centered on the theme “Recognizing Bible Holiness vs. Moral Apostasy.” His teaching emphasized the importance of living holy lives, including the practice of modesty in clothing and conduct, as well as maintaining a life that reflects God’s standards of holiness in all aspects.
In the evening, we were blessed to have brother Archimedes Alarcon from Tarlac preach to us. He delivered a lesson entitled “The Beginning of Creation,” reminding the brethren of God’s power, wisdom, and authority as the Creator of all things, and strengthening our faith in the truth of His Word.
April 25
On the final day of the Bible Lectureship, some of the brethren who had traveled from distant places had already departed on Friday in order to return home and prepare for their responsibilities on the Lord’s Day. Even so, we were thankful to still have a good number in attendance.
Brother Harry Osborne continued as the speaker, and his lesson for the day was centered on the theme “Recognizing the True Plan of Salvation vs. the Errors of Calvinism.” His preaching clearly emphasized the biblical plan of salvation and helped the brethren better understand and discern teachings that are not in accordance with Scripture.
April 26
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Rody was able to discuss John 16:1–17, providing encouragement to remain faithful despite trials. He also informed me that next Sunday I will be the one to continue the study, including the remaining verses of the chapter as well as John 17.
In the sermon, brother Harry Osborne was still with us and shared a lesson entitled “The Work of the Devil Today,” reminding the brethren to be vigilant against the schemes of the enemy. Once again, the invitation was extended, and we are very thankful that eight young souls came forward to confess their faith. It was truly an encouraging moment for the congregation. Unfortunately, I was not able to witness their baptism, as I needed to leave early for Dagupan due to our scheduled worship there on the last Sunday of the month.
In the afternoon, brother Robert went to Palca, while I proceeded to Dagupan. There, I preached a lesson entitled “Standing for Truth Alone,” based on the account of the prophet Micaiah, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God’s truth even in the face of opposition.
April 28
We were invited to a gospel meeting in Limus, Pinukpuk, where brother Emer Yuson is preaching. We left early at around 6:00 AM and arrived at the Limus highway by 8:30 AM. From there, we had to walk approximately two kilometers, crossing mountainous terrain, and we reached the meeting place at around 9:00 AM.
We were warmly welcomed by the joyful brethren in the area. Because the weather appeared uncertain and there was a possibility of rain, we decided to begin the program immediately. We are thankful that despite the threatening weather, it did not rain throughout the event, even until we safely returned home.
I was the first speaker, and brother Emer requested that I share my lesson on Jehoshaphat, entitled “Faith That Worships Before the Victory.” The second speaker was brother Jimmy Duque, who preached on “The Judgment.” The final speaker was brother Craig Meyer, who delivered a lesson on “Idolatry.”
As always, the invitation was extended, and we rejoice that one young man, Angelito Francisco, decided to obey the gospel. He was baptized in the river just below the meeting place, making it a very memorable and meaningful occasion.
There were also three individuals identified as pastors from the Free Believers Church who attended the meeting. After the program, we had an opportunity to engage in a discussion with them regarding the lessons presented.
The journey to the meeting place felt easier since it was mostly downhill, but the return trip proved more challenging as we had to walk uphill. By the time we reached our vehicles, the physical strain was evident—brother James’ legs were even shaking from the climb.
April 29
We were invited by brother Rogelio Esperanza to San Luis for a Bible study, which is planned to be held regularly every last Wednesday of the month. We are thankful for this opportunity to help strengthen the brethren in that area.
During our visit, brother Jun Bassig delivered an encouraging lesson entitled “The Good and Bad News,” highlighting the contrast between the bad news brought by Satan and the good news that comes from God through the gospel.
Brother Rogelio has scheduled me to preach on the last Wednesday of May. However, I am not yet certain if I will be able to attend, as brother Rody is currently planning an activity for that same week which may require my presence elsewhere.
In the evening, during our midweek service here in Tuguegarao, brother Rody preached a lesson entitled “Controversial Words.” He encouraged the brethren to be wise and discerning in handling matters that often lead to disputes, and to always respond with truth, humility, and a Christ-like spirit, even in difficult or sensitive discussions.
April 30
We went to Minagbag Church for a Bible study. Instead of holding the meeting inside the chapel, we decided to gather in a small hut shaded by a mango tree, as it was very hot inside the chapel and the cooler outdoor setting provided more comfort for everyone.
Brother Jun Bassig was again invited to join us, and he shared an encouraging lesson entitled “How to Serve the Lord.” His message reminded the brethren of the importance of serving God with sincerity, humility, and dedication in all aspects of life.
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