May 3
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, Brother Flor led the lesson and discussed John 15, emphasizing the importance of abiding in Christ and bearing fruit in our Christian lives.
During the worship service, I had the opportunity to preach the sermon entitled "Standing Alone for the Truth," based on the account of Micaiah. The lesson focused on the importance of remaining faithful to God's truth even when standing against popular opinion or facing opposition. Micaiah's courage and unwavering commitment to God's Word served as a powerful example and challenge to all of us.
At the conclusion of the sermon, an invitation was extended, and we rejoiced to see two young men come forward in obedience to the gospel. These boys have been attending our children's Bible class since they were five years old, and now, at twelve years of age, they have made the personal decision to follow Christ. It was a great blessing and encouragement to witness the fruit of years of teaching and nurturing in God's Word.
Meanwhile, in Dagupan, Brother Robert delivered the lesson entitled "The True Church." Through the study of God's Word, he clearly presented the biblical characteristics of the church established by Christ and the importance of being a part of the body that follows the teachings of the New Testament.
May 6
In the evening, we gathered for our midweek service here in Tuguegarao.
During the service, Brother Rody preached a lesson from his series entitled "Controversial Words in the Bible." The lesson examined certain biblical terms and teachings that are often misunderstood, debated, or challenged in the religious world today.
May 9
We were invited by Brother Gerald Ganela to his home in Babalag, Rizal, where we were blessed with the opportunity to share God's Word with his family and several neighbors whom they had invited to join the gathering. We are grateful for their hospitality and for their desire to hear and learn from the Scriptures.
Brother Rogelio Esperanza delivered the first lesson, speaking on the subject of Integrity. He emphasized the importance of living a life that is honest, upright, and consistent with God's will, both in public and in private.
Following this, Brother Jimmy Duque shared a lesson on Serving God. He reminded us that serving the Lord is both a privilege and a responsibility, requiring wholehearted dedication, love, and obedience.
May 10
The elders asked me to lead our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, and I was privileged to discuss John 16. In this chapter, Jesus prepared His disciples for the challenges that would come after His departure, while also assuring them of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the victory that believers have through Him.
For the sermon, Brother Rody preached from the book of Hosea, highlighting God's steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness despite the unfaithfulness of His people.
At the conclusion of the service, the invitation was extended once again, and we rejoiced to see one precious soul respond in obedience to the gospel. We give all glory and thanks to God for this wonderful blessing and pray that this new sister in Christ will continue to grow in faith and remain faithful to the Lord.
In the afternoon, we traveled to Palca and invited Brother Jun Bassig to join us. Since it was his first time visiting Palca, we asked him if he would share a lesson with the congregation. He gladly accepted and preached on the subject, "How to Serve the Lord." Through the Scriptures, he encouraged the brethren to serve God with humility, faithfulness, and a willing heart.
Later in Dagupan, Brother Jun had another opportunity to preach. Since we were uncertain whether he would be able to visit the area again in the future, we encouraged him to take advantage of the opportunity. He shared the lesson entitled "The Reality of Serving God," reminding everyone that Christian service involves both blessings and sacrifices.
May 12
We had the opportunity to travel to the Cordillera region, particularly to Mountain Province, to assist in the work of the Lord in several areas. The journey itself was both challenging and memorable. Much of the terrain is mountainous, with some roads remaining unpaved, slippery, and difficult to navigate. In certain places, rocks had fallen from the mountainsides onto the roads, making travel even more hazardous. Because of these conditions, we used motorbikes throughout the trip, which allowed us easier access to the various places we needed to visit. Larger vehicles would have had a much more difficult time because of the steep roads, narrow passages, and countless sharp curves along the mountain highways.
Our first destination was Buscalan, Tinglayan, where Brother Romeo Bas-il is laboring in the Lord's work. We began our journey at around four o'clock in the morning and, by God's grace and protection, arrived safely at approximately twelve noon. Upon our arrival, we gathered with the brethren for a Bible study at their meeting place, which is currently Brother Romeo's home. Since the congregation does not yet have a chapel building, he has graciously opened his house for the brethren to assemble and worship the Lord each Sunday.
Brother Jun Antonio delivered the first lesson, entitled "Things We Cannot Change." Through the Scriptures, he reminded us of the importance of accepting God's will and focusing on the things we can do to faithfully serve Him. Following him, Brother Jimmy Duque preached the lesson "Do You Really Love God?" The lesson challenged everyone present to examine the sincerity of their love for the Lord and demonstrated that genuine love for God is shown through obedience, commitment, and faithful service.
We were greatly encouraged by the attendance and attentiveness of those who gathered to study God's Word. Seeing brethren faithfully worshiping despite their limited resources and remote location was both humbling and inspiring.
After the Bible study concluded, rain began to pour over the area. We waited for some time, hoping the weather would improve. By God's blessing, the rain eventually subsided, allowing us to continue our journey. We then traveled to our next destination, Sagada, Mountain Province, where we planned to stay for the night before continuing our work in the surrounding communities. Throughout the day, we were continually reminded of God's protection and providence as He safely guided us through the mountains and enabled us to carry His Word to places where opportunities for fellowship and teaching are precious and greatly appreciated.
May 13
The following morning, we had the opportunity to distribute Bible tracts throughout Sagada. At present, there is no congregation established in the area, and one of the goals of this trip was to help lay the groundwork for future evangelistic efforts. Brother Victor Ramos, who invited us to join him on this trip, has a strong desire to see a congregation planted in Sagada. We prayerfully distributed tracts and sought to make the community aware of the gospel, hoping that the seeds being sown today will, in God's time, bear fruit and lead to the establishment of a faithful congregation in the area.
In the afternoon, we traveled to Sabangan, Mountain Province, where we continued the same evangelistic work. Brother Doming Domes, who is preaching in the area, joined in the efforts to reach the community. We distributed Bible tracts to residents and took every opportunity to engage people in conversations about spiritual matters and the gospel of Christ.
During our work, we had the opportunity to speak with several police officers assigned in the area. They expressed their appreciation for the work we were doing and were pleased to see efforts being made to promote biblical values and spiritual growth within their community. Interestingly, the officers themselves were also distributing informational flyers encouraging peace and discouraging individuals from becoming involved with terrorist organizations and other harmful activities. It was encouraging to see both groups working toward the welfare of the community—one focusing on physical peace and safety, and the other seeking to bring the peace that comes through a relationship with God.
We are thankful for the warm reception we received and for every opportunity to share God's Word. We continue to pray that the gospel seeds planted in Sagada and Sabangan will take root in receptive hearts and that the Lord will open doors for further opportunities to teach and establish His church in these communities.
May 14
After completing our work in Sabangan on the 13th, we traveled to Atok, Benguet, where we spent the night. This allowed us to be closer to our route home and provided an opportunity to rest after several days of travel and evangelistic work in the mountains.
Early the next morning, we began our journey back home. By God's grace and protection, we arrived safely at around four o'clock in the afternoon. The return trip proved to be more difficult than our journey to Mountain Province. While traveling into the mountains had been more comfortable because of the cool weather and higher elevation, descending back toward the lowlands exposed us to the intense summer heat.
Because of the high temperatures, we had to stop frequently along the way to rest, cool down, and ensure that everyone could travel safely. Despite the challenges, we were thankful for God's continual care throughout the trip. As we reflected on our journey, we were reminded that the difficulties of travel are small compared to the joy of sharing the gospel and encouraging brethren in places where opportunities for fellowship and teaching are limited.
We are deeply grateful to the Lord for His protection during the many kilometers we traveled, for the opportunities He gave us to preach His Word, and for the brethren who welcomed and worked alongside us. We pray that the seeds planted in Buscalan, Sagada, and Sabangan will continue to grow and bear fruit for His glory. The trip was physically demanding, but it was a great blessing to witness the faith of the brethren and to participate in the spread of the gospel throughout the mountain communities of the Cordillera region.
May 17
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, Brother Lino Darauay had the opportunity to lead the study and shared insights from John 17:1–5. The lesson reminded us of the importance of seeking God's glory in all that we do and appreciating the eternal life that is found in Christ.
For the sermon, Brother Rody preached from the book of Joel. He spoke about God's call to repentance, His mercy toward those who return to Him, and the hope that He provides even in times of judgment and difficulty.
In the afternoon, at Palca, Brother Robert delivered a lesson based on Psalm 1:1. He emphasized the blessings that come from avoiding ungodly influences and choosing instead to walk in the ways of the Lord.
Later in Dagupan, I had the opportunity to preach a lesson that related to the extreme weather conditions we are currently experiencing. I entitled the lesson "How to Survive Spiritual Heat?" Using the physical heat around us as an illustration, I spoke about the spiritual challenges, temptations, trials, and pressures that can weaken our faith if we are not properly nourished and refreshed by God's Word. Just as our bodies need water, shade, and rest to endure intense heat, our souls need prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and trust in God to remain strong during difficult times. The lesson encouraged everyone to draw closer to the Lord and rely upon Him for spiritual strength and renewal.
May 20
We were invited by Brother James Attaban to conduct a Bible study in Alibago, Enrile. The gathering was held at the home of the Simangan and Fernandez families, who graciously welcomed us and opened their home for the study of God's Word. We are thankful for opportunities such as these, where families and friends can come together to learn from the Scriptures and grow in their understanding of God's will.
During the Bible study, Brother Victor Ramos shared the lesson entitled "Jesus as the Way." Through the Scriptures, he emphasized that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father and the only source of salvation for mankind.
After the Bible study, we took the opportunity to distribute Bible tracts throughout the village. As we went from place to place, we shared these materials with residents in the hope of spreading the message of God's Word to those who may not have had the opportunity to attend the study.
In the evening, we gathered for our midweek service here in Tuguegarao. We are thankful for another opportunity to assemble with the brethren, worship God, and be strengthened through the study of His Word.
Brother Rody continued the series of lessons he has been presenting on "Controversial Words." For this particular lesson, he focused on two important biblical subjects: Jesus as the Only Mediator and Baptism as Immersion Only.
May 21
We traveled to Minagbag, Quezon, where we had the opportunity to visit Brother Edgar Lingbawan. We enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship with him and were encouraged to hear about the work he has been doing in Barucboc and San Manuel. Despite many challenges, he continues to labor faithfully in spreading the gospel and encouraging the brethren in those areas.
Brother Edgar especially requested prayers for the brethren in San Manuel. They are hoping that, by God's providence, help may come so that they can build even a simple hut to serve as a place of worship and assembly. At present, the brethren there have very limited resources and face many financial difficulties. Yet, despite their circumstances, they remain faithful and committed to serving the Lord. We ask for your prayers that God will bless this effort and provide for their needs according to His will.
In the evening, we went to the home of Sister Mena Darauay, where a Bible study was conducted. Several neighbors whom she had invited also attended, providing another opportunity to share God's Word with those in the community. We are thankful for members who open their homes and encourage others to study the Scriptures.
Brother Rody presented the lesson entitled "Boast Not of Tomorrow," based on the biblical reminder that life is uncertain and that we should always recognize our dependence upon God's will.
As I listened to the lesson, I was greatly encouraged by its message and was able to develop an outline of my own on the same subject. Lord willing, I plan to preach this lesson in the coming days. It was another reminder of how God's Word not only strengthens those who hear it but also inspires us to continue teaching and sharing it with others.
May 22
We had the opportunity to visit the home of Sister Cheng Vicencio here in Tuguegarao for a Bible study. Sister Cheng comes from a faithful Christian family, and her parents were among the first converts of the church in Tuguegarao. Through the years, they served as a great encouragement to the congregation and were known for their generosity and willingness to support the Lord's work.
The Lord has blessed their family materially, and they have often shared those blessings by helping preachers and supporting various works throughout our region. Although both of Sister Cheng's parents passed away last year, it is encouraging to see that she continues the faithful example they left behind. Her commitment to serving the Lord and supporting His work is a wonderful testimony to the lasting influence of godly parents.
During our Bible study, Brother Rody shared the lesson entitled "Answering Pharaoh's Question." Drawing from Pharaoh's question, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice?” the lesson emphasized the power, authority, and sovereignty of God.
We are grateful for the opportunity to spend time with Sister Cheng and those who attended the study. It was a meaningful evening of fellowship, encouragement, and learning from God's Word. We continue to thank the Lord for faithful brethren whose lives and examples help strengthen the church and support the spread of the gospel.
May 24
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, Brother Lino concluded his series of lessons from the Gospel of John by discussing John 17:6–26. This portion of Scripture records the latter part of Jesus' prayer before His arrest, where He prayed for His disciples and for all future believers.
In the sermon, Brother Rody preached from the book of Amos. He highlighted God's call for justice, righteousness, and genuine obedience.
In the afternoon, we traveled once again to Tuao for our regular meetings in Palca and Dagupan. Two weeks earlier, Brother Lance Panopio and Brother Flor Constantino approached me and expressed their desire to join us and participate in the preaching work there. I was happy to have them come along and help encourage the brethren.
I am not entirely sure why so many preachers enjoy traveling with us to these places, but one thing I do know is that the brethren in Palca and Dagupan are among the most hospitable, loving, and generous people you could meet. They always make visitors feel welcome and appreciated. Many times, they have shared with me fruits, vegetables, eggs, and even chickens to take home. Their kindness and generosity are a constant source of encouragement and reflect the genuine love that exists among God's people.
At Palca, Brother Lance Panopio preached the lesson entitled "The Power of Sin: What Sin Will Do to You." Through various biblical examples, he showed how sin can damage lives, separate people from God, and bring devastating consequences when left unchecked.
Later in Dagupan, Brother Flor Constantino delivered the lesson "The Second Coming of Christ." He spoke about the certainty of the Lord's return and the importance of being spiritually prepared for that day.
May 25-27
We were blessed to host another Bible Lectureship here in Tuguegarao. This time, the lectures focused on the important subject of the Holy Spirit. For our study material, we used the book prepared by Brother Heath Rogers, which provided a clear and biblical examination of the Holy Spirit's nature, work, and role in God's plan.
The lectureship was a wonderful opportunity for preachers from different congregations to gather together for worship, fellowship, and a deeper study of God's Word.
The speakers for the event were Brother Rody Gumpad and Brother Mariano Biljera. Both brethren did an excellent job presenting lessons that were scripturally sound, informative, and practical. They carefully addressed various aspects of the Holy Spirit, helping those in attendance gain a clearer understanding of what the Bible teaches while also correcting many common misconceptions surrounding the subject.
May 27
In the evening of the 27th, we gathered for our midweek Bible study here in Tuguegarao. We were blessed to have Brother Rolly Salvador remain with us after the lectureship and take part in our bible study.
During the study Brother Rolly delivered the lesson entitled "You Raise Me Up." Through the Scriptures, he reminded us that God is the source of our strength, encouragement, and hope.
Brother Rolly encouraged the congregation to place their trust in God, especially during life's trials, knowing that the Lord is always willing to strengthen and uplift those who depend upon Him.
May 31
For our Bible study here in Tuguegarao, Brother Jun Bassig led the study and discussed the entirety of John 18. The chapter recounts the events surrounding the arrest, trial, and suffering of Jesus before His crucifixion.
For the sermon, Brother Rody preached from the book of Obadiah. His lesson focused on God's judgment against pride and the importance of humility before the Lord.
Since it was once again the last Sunday of the month, our worship services in Palca and Dagupan were held earlier than usual. Brother Robert traveled to Dagupan while I went to Palca to worship and preach with the brethren there.
In Palca, I had the opportunity to preach the lesson entitled "Boast Not of Tomorrow." This was the same lesson that Brother Rody had shared during our Bible study at the home of Sister Mena Darauay in Tuguegarao. As I listened to that lesson, I was inspired to develop an outline of my own, which I was able to use in preaching to the brethren in Palca. The lesson emphasized the uncertainty of life and the importance of trusting in God's will rather than assuming what tomorrow may bring.
We are thankful for another Lord's Day filled with opportunities to worship, study God's Word, and encourage the brethren in different places. We pray that the lessons shared will continue to strengthen the faith of those who heard them and motivate all of us to live each day with greater devotion to the Lord.
