Activities from December 10 - January 4

December 10, in our midweek service here at Metro Tuguegarao, brother Robert was the one scheduled to preach but he was away at that time so he sent his son-in-law, Manny Pader to take his place. He discussed to us “Luke 19”.

December 14, in our Lord’s day service here at Metro Tuguegarao, brother Jun taught in our bible study about “What makes religious practices right or wrong?” and in the sermon, I preached to them about “Doing things the right way” where I shared the things that God commanded and what should we do in order to  be well pleasing to Him and not disobeying any of His orders.

In the afternoon, at Palca, I preached the same lesson to them. Many of the students who are studying at Tuguegarao already went back home to Palca because of the holiday vacation.

December 17, in our midweek service, brother Jerome discussed “Luke 20”.

December 19, I went to Palca  to visit the brethren. I went to the house of the Uton’s where I again talked to them about going back to the church because since the church at Naruangan stopped, they failed to attend any services that’s why I am again telling them that they are welcome to join us because they were members before at Palca. The distance is only about 2km from their house to the church building.

December 21, in our Lord’s day service here at Metro Tuguegarao, I taught in our bible study about “Lessons learned from the 12 disciples” and in the sermon, brother Jun preached “Where are the nine?”

In the afternoon, at Palca, I preached to them about “Certainties that should help us be sober”.

December 23, in our preachers’ bible study, brother Rody discussed to us about “The Spirit” from the example of Elishah having the spirit of Elijah when he was taken by the Lord.

December 24, in our midweek service, brother Rody taught “Luke 21”.

December 26, I visited the family of brother Mac and sister Grace Lamigo. Brother Mac is no longer attending the services but sister Grace is always present. I shared to them about the importance of serving God and what can we expect in return if we remain faithful to Him.

December 28, in our Lord’s day service here at Tuguegarao, brother Rody preached the lesson about “The state of Christ” in both the bible study and in the sermon.

In the afternoon, at Palca, I preached to them about “Having room for Jesus in our lives”. Jesus was born having no room for Mary to deliver him, the Jews have no room for him when he was with them and even his own didn’t have any room for him, and so we, as Christians, should not be like them and give a place for Jesus in our lives.

After the service, we had a thanksgiving to God because it is the last Sunday of the year. I solicited used clothes from my mother’s store without any payment and also gave a little help for them. My wife and kids help me with the packing for a few days and we gave it to the brethren on this day of 28^th. The brethren are very happy with what they have received and together we went to the Lord in prayer for His loving kindness to us all.

December 30, in our preachers’ bible study, brother Rody taught in the morning about “The bible survey” and in the afternoon “The book of Genesis”.

December 31, in our midweek service, brother Jun discussed to us “Luke 22”.

January 2, brother Jay and I went on a trip to Manila to preach at Edsa-Pasay church. I should be the only one going but I invited him to join me and help in the work.

January 4, in the Lord’s day service at Edsa-Pasay, brother Jay taught in the whole morning with the lessons “Consider your ways” and “How to maintain faith” in the bible study and sermon. The attendance is small with about 25 because many of the brethren went on vacation going back to their home towns.

In the afternoon, I preached to them about “Parable of the Pencil”. This parable is not written in the bible but I just use the title and at the same time, use it as an example with the contents of it to show the life of a Christian. We are like pencils made by a creator, sometimes sharpening comes in our life and we needed to be strong. The most important part of the pencil is the inside, and so with us, the most important part that God wants to see in us is our hearts to be always pure.

Activities from October 28 to December 7

October 28, another wonderful Wednesday midweek service. Brother Rody taught on "Romans 12" where he discussed much about giving our all to the Lord as a living sacrifice.

November 2, God had given us another day to serve Him through worship in this Lord's day. Brother Jay taught in our bible study about "Kasanu ti panagbasa dagiti dadduma a tattao ti biblia?" which is translated in English "How do others read the bible?" It was a good lesson because it reminds us that we should not only read the bible but study and understand every meaning of it and most especially to obey what the will of the Lord is. In the sermon, brother Jerome preached to us about "Thoroughly equipped for every good work?" As a christian, we should always be ready to go and preach the gospel and be light and salt of the world.

In the afternoon, at Palca, I preached to them "What will others say about us in our grave?" I choose to preach this lesson because November 1 and 2 here in the Philippines, many people are going to the cemetery to visit the grave of their love ones. And as the title of the lesson I presented, what about us when we die, what will they remember over our grave. I hope someday, all will remember me as a faithful Christian and that's it, nothing more and nothing less.

November 4, another gathering for us preachers to study the word of God. Brother Edgar Licodini has given the opportunity again to share to us. For the whole day, we studied "2 Thessalonians 3".

November 5, in our midweek service, we studied "Luke 14" that brother Jerome presented. He discuss to us the parable of the wedding feast and the cost of being a disciple of Christ.

November 9, it was a happy day again for worshipping the Lord. In our bible study, brother Jun taught "Christ second coming" and in the sermon brother Jerome preached "The parable of the wedding feast". Both the lessons presented where a reminder for us to be always ready because we do not know when the Lord will come again and judge the whole world.

In the afternoon, at Palca, I preached to them about "Social Gospel". A kind of gospel many people wanted us it is teaching them to do whatever they want. That is the kind of teaching Jesus hates because it is against His will. Examples are dancing, instrumental music, divorce, smoking and many more.

November 11, in our preachers' bible study, brother Robert Rances first taught to us in the morning on "2 Corinthians 13:5" and in the afternoon, brother Flor Respicio taught "Parable of the Prodigal Son".

November 12, in our midweek service, brother Jay taught to us "Luke 15". The parable of the lost sheep, lost coin and lost son.

November 14, because I haven't got any chance to visit the brethren at Palca for two straight weeks, I decided that I will do it this day and visit most of them. I invited brother Robert Rances and Manny Pader to help me but when we arrived at Dagupan, brother Manny received a call from his brother-in-law saying that his son is having a fever and they don't know what they should do, so he decided to go back home. Together with brother Robert, we first visit brother Enzo and his family, unluckily, nobody's home so we went to the next desitination at sister Tersing Poselero because she was not in attendance of our worship for a month. She then told us that she was hospitalized for several days and needed to stay home and rest. We didn't know that had happen because she admitted that she didn't inform anybody about it except her family. Her daughter is there who just arrived from Manila and is attending at the congregation at Pasay where brother Rody is teaching.

In the next house we visit, we went to sister Fermina's house and upon arrival, we were met by sister Pacita and sister Diday. We all went inside, had a short words of encouragement from the bible and prayer.

We went to the house of sister Valentina Mabborang as our next place of visit. My intention on going there is to visit her grandson and granddaughter. Without any idea, they have a small celebration on her grandson's (Arnold) birthday. So instead of just talking to them and pray, we decided to preach to the everyone because this is another good opportunity to share the message of the Lord. Brother Robert preached to them about obeying God and also on thanksgiving. After that, I lead the prayer.

Our final destination is at sister Teresita Andrada's house because I was informed she was sick. We went to there house but we only saw her husdand. Sister Teresita went to school to get her granddaughter. She already feel better as she can go out.

We are preparing to go home when we saw brother Agpoon(I can't remember his first name anymore because of the many years we didn't see him; he is the brother of brother Rolando Agpoon) sitting outside of his house. He is worshipping with us for long time but since having an illness, he is no longer attending. Brother Edwin Soriano decided that time that they will have a service every Sunday at their house. But with our conversation, it was long gone. We invited him to come again to the church at Palca and he said yes.

November 16, in our Sunday worship here at Tuguegarao, brother Jun taught "Offering God substitutes" and in the sermon, brother Rody preached "2 Timothy 2". After the lesson, we extended the invitation and one precious soul went in front to confess his faith. He is brother Emil Pagunuran, a young men who is attending our services for a month.

In the afternoon at Palca, I preached to them about "Mindset of Abel". A lesson pointing out true obedience the God.

November 18, in our preachers' bible study, brother Edgar Licodini taught to us "1 Timothy 1".

November 19, in our midweek service, brother Jun taught "Luke 16". He discussed to us about the shrewd manager and Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

November 21, I went to Dagupan to re-visit brother Enzo. Just in time of my arrival, they also arrived from work. In our conversation, I saw worries from his eyes. I asked him why, and he then told me that, for a month already since their last time to attend the service at Palca, they are looking for his son and his wife. They went out of the village without anyone knowing where they have gone. Brother Enzo then told me a possible reason why they did this. As a father, and knowing that they are still young at the age of 26, he is trying to help them with their decisions but the wife of his son do not always agree with him. She is not yet a christian but is coming with his husband in the church. The wife first leave and after 2 days, his son also leave. They are trying to contact them but they failed. Brother Enzo is really worried because he doesn't know where they are and what their situation is now. We just then gathered his whole family and asked God through prayer.

November 23, in our Lord's day service, brother Jun taught in our bible study about "Cornelius and Salvation" then followed by brother Rody who preached "Have you counted the cost?"

In the afternoon, I preached at Palca about "Lord, what do you want me to do?" I gave the example of Apostle Paul when he was stop by the Lord on his way to Damascus. He then asked what he needed to do and after that, he followed with all humbleness that command of the Lord.

November 25, in our preachers' bible study, brother July taught " 1Timothy 2" and because we have a brother coming from Dingras, Ilocos Norte, brother Jun Macusi, he also share a lesson to us and he taught about "Best of the best". We had the good which is the wealth that is given by the Lord, better which is health and best which is salvation.

November 26, in our midweek service, I taught "Luke 17". The "Sin, faith and duty", "ten lepers" and "kingdom of God".

November 30, in our Lord's day service, brother Jun taught "Why are people lost or saved?" and brother Jerome preached "James 4".

In the afternoon, at Palca, I also preached to them "Luke 16".

December 3, we went to Amulung where we attended the burial of our late sister Alma Zulueta. She is a faithful sister who is attending worship in Edsa-Pasay congregation but is a member at Amulung. She is always helping in the church work at Pasay, but the last two months, she was in the hospital because of unknown sickness. After a month, she was diagnosed of cancer that took her life. She left a good memory and example to all of us because of how faithful she is in the Lord.

In the evening, in our midweek service here at Tuguegarao, brother July taught "Luke 18"

December 6, in our Lord's day service here at Tuguegarao, I taught in our bible study about "Running out of time", there are things we often do that make us realize in the end that we shouldn't do it because of the bad consequences and now we still have a chance to make it better. We do not know when the Lord will come, in order not to be totally lost, we should make use of our time wisely by being righteous and take away every sinful acts. In the sermon, brother Jun preached "Could the apostles forgive sins?" All of us can forgive our fellowmen of the sins they have done to us, but we cannot forgive, same with the apostles the sins that only God can take away.

In the afternoon, I preached the same lesson at Palca about "Running out of time".

Working for the Lord from September 19 - October 26

September 19, we were invited to attend the Gospel Meeting at Saguday, Quirino. With us is brother Harry Osborne from Oklahoma City. We traveled early in the morning because it takes 3 hours to reach the town. The effects of the recent typhoon were evident in several places we pass by, having the same result as we have here in Tuguegarao. It rained on and off the whole duration of the meeting but the attendance and interest were very good as we have the same attendance from morning until the end in the afternoon.

Brother Harry was the first to preach in the morning with the lesson “Salvation and Saul”. Brother Rody followed with a lesson “Eschatology” and focuses on answering several aspects of the premillennial doctrines. It was said that some of the visitors are Pentecostals.

After lunch, brother Harry spoke on “Let us not grow weary”. It was a good way to encourage every one of us not to lose hear in the service to God. Brother Rody concluded the day with the lesson on “Church of Christ vs Denominations”. The invitation was extended and two responded to be baptized into Christ, and another one decided after the open forum.

September 21. We began the Lord’s day work here in Metro Tuguegarao. Brother Rody taught in our bible study about the words of Jesus “Learn of Me”. In the sermon, brother Harry preached about “Striving for the faith”.

After lunch, I went to Palca for our service. I preached to them about “Take Away the Stone”. A lesson where I want to show them what stones/attitudes we needed to take away in our lives to be always right with God. The attention of the brethren were very good and that they are very happy to accept the fact that they also have sinned and willing to change every bit of mistakes they have done.

September 22, we traveled one hour towards the mountains of Rizal particularly at Centro, Babalag where brother Geronimo Ganela is preaching. We began the meeting with singing of spiritual songs. Brother Rody began with the lesson on “Problems facing the church” the brother Harry followed with a lesson on the “Sermon on the Mount” showing how Jesus started his ministering and the correction of misunderstandings from the old law.

After lunch, brother Harry concluded the meeting with preaching “Grace, Faith and Works: Is obedience essential to salvation?” After the lesson, brother Ben Vistro extended the invitation and one man responded to the call of the Lord, confessed his faith and was baptized.

September 23, we had an all-day Bible study here at Metro Tuguegarao with lot of preachers and members coming from different places to join us. This meeting was first announced for preachers and wives in the area to come for studies. However, many wanted to attend and even non-christians came as well.

The activity began with singing before the studies. Brother Rody led in a very spirited way that lifted our voices together in praise to God. Brother Harry preached a lesson on “The Life of Joseph: Characteristics of Faithfulness.” After the lesson, brother Rody summarized in the dialect because several present did not know English. Brother Harry then followed another good lesson about “How Does Love Act? - Essentials of Bible Love.” Same as the first lesson, brother Rody summarizes it.

After lunch, brother Harry stand again to preach on “The Blood of Christ and the Salvation of Sinners.” The invitation was extended and two precious souls responded and were baptized into Christ.

September 24, the next Gospel Meeting we attended was in Lapogan congregation in Gattaran, Cagayan. Brother Joeben Jacobo is preaching there along with his father Celso.

The morning activity started with the lesson preached by brother Harry on “Repentance” Brother Rody then followed preaching a lesson on “Repeating Naaman’s Mistakes”. At the end of the lesson, brother Rody extended the invitation and four responded to be baptized.

After lunch, brother Harry presented a lesson that examined “Baptism in the New Testament vs Denominational Baptism.”

We had our midweek bible study at Tuguegarao in the evening and brother Harry was asked to teach on Psalm 127.

September 25, our last day of preaching with brother Harry concluded in Aquib church in Piat, Cagayan. Brother Dennis Yuson is the local preacher in the congregation.

We started the meeting with singing, brother Harry preached the first lesson on “Salvation and the Seed - God’s Word.” Good lesson because the place “Piat” is one of the biggest strongholds for Catholicism in the Philippines. Brother Rody followed with a lesson on “Heed God’s Warnings.” At the end of the lesson, he extended the invitation and two young ladies responded to confess their faith and be baptized into Christ. We also had an open forum, and one man who is known for attending different churches and asked many questions gave his thoughts on the subject matter and as he always do, asked many questions. Brother Harry answered convincingly all the questions asked, but I do not if he is convinced or just wanted to show the he also knows a lot from the bible.

After the lunch break, brother Harry preached on “If I Obey the Gospel, I Will…” Brother Rody ended the studies for with a lesson from James 4 on “This Is Your Life.”

Because it is the last night of brother Harry with us, we gathered in the house of brother Rody. We had a good dinner and because brother Harry is like a part of the family, we often call him “Papa Bear”. My daughter’s name was taken from the name of his wife, sister Leslie.

September 28, our Sunday started again with the work here in Tuguegarao. Brother Jun taught in our bible study about the “5 questions of life”. In the sermon, brother Rody preached about “Following Jesus”.

After lunch, I concluded my Sunday work at Palca where I preached about “The Lessons learned from the 12 disciples of Acts”. It is such a good way to start and end a day by worshiping God and studying His words.

September 30, we continued with our scheduled preachers’ bible study and brother Jay Gumpad started the work by teaching on “1 Thessalonians 2” in the morning. After teaching the lesson, we discuss many things that we might learn from the chapter as we always do. In the afternoon, brother Jimmy Domingo continued with the study and taught “ 1Thessalonians 3”.

October 1, in our midweek service, brother July Aguinaldo, who is a preacher at Lattac, Sto. Nino is always joining us in our bible study, so the elders decided that he will be included in our rotation of preachers to teach every Wednesday. He then taught “Know the truth” that he printed on the cloth chart.

October 2, we went to the burial of brother Jerry Soliva’s father. He is one of the preachers here in Cagayan and is currently working at Cauayan congregation. His father, even though brother Jerry did everything he can to teach his siblings and parents, failed to convert his father. But all his brothers and sisters were Christians. Brother Jun Gumpad preached about death in the service.

October 5, a very good Sunday came and another day to work for the Lord. I taught in our bible study about “Cart before the horse religion”, because I do not have a working laptop right now, I borrowed brother Jay’s, but unluckily, many of my slides in the powerpoint won’t show up when I started the presentation, but still I continued to teach it. The lesson was about doctrines of man that reverses the teachings of Christ, like on Mark 16:16, instead of believe and baptized, they change it to believe only, baptized only, baptized then believe and so on. In the sermon, brother Jun preached “God’s word: uphold all things”.

In the afternoon at Palca, I preached the same lesson on “Cart before the horse religion”.

October 8, in our midweek service here at Metro Tuguegarao, brother Jun taught on “Luke 11:1-28”.

October 11, I again visited the brethren at Palca wherein, I decided to make a double effort to talk to the brethren who are failing to come to worship.

October 12, our Lord’s day service here at Metro Tuguegarao were I decided to teach the lesson “Parable of the pencil”. I thought of teaching this lesson even though it is not written in the bible but I added bible verses that is very similar with the parable. I saw this parable from the email sent to me by brother Jerry Toreja. In the sermon, brother Jun preached “Run to win”.

At Palca, in the afternoon, I again preached the same lesson on “Parable of the pencil”.

October 14, in our preachers’ bible study, brother Jerry Soliva taught in the morning about “Take Heed Lest We Fall”. A very good lesson to teach us preachers to take care of ourselves especially in the service for the Lord, because many have already fallen in the hands of the devil and they not only stop preaching, but also stop serving Christ.

In the afternoon, brother Edgar Corpuz taught “1 Thessalonians 5”.

October 15, in our midweek service here at Metro Tuguegarao, I taught the lesson that brother Jun started the last week on “Luke 11:29-54”.

October 19, in our Lord’s day service here at Metro Tuguegarao, brother Rody taught “Romans 12” in our bible study then followed by brother Jun Macusi who is visiting us from Ilocos Norte, preached in the sermon “True Worship”. The invitation was extended and two precious souls obeyed the gospel and were baptized into Christ.

After the service, we had a little thanksgiving for sister Tessie Gumpad who is celebrating her 60^th birthday and had a meal together with the brethren in their house.

In the afternoon at Palca, I preached to them a short title “AM I?” A lesson where every question showed must be asked within ourselves and no other men can answer. In short, it is a self-examination test whether we are right with God or going on the wrong path.

October 21, for the whole day in our preachers’ bible study, brother Rody summarizes the book of “1 Thessalonians” because the scheduled teacher is not present.

October 22, in our midweek service, brother Rody taught Luke 12. And again he did it because the scheduled preacher is not present.

October 23 and 24, I am both invited to come to the Gospel Meeting at San Luis, Tuao and Bauan, Solana on this days, but unluckily, I failed to go because we brought my mother to the hospital due to her gastric ulcer that weakens her whole body. My brother is not around, so I was the one who take care of her.

October 26, our Lord’s day service here at Metro Tuguegarao started with brother Jun teaching in our bible study about “Into our hands the gospel is given” then concluded by brother Rody in preaching “Satan’s power” that we needed to avoid.

In the afternoon, at Palca, I preached to them “adopt a high way”. A lesson that is focusing on setting our thoughts and hearts and the high places, meaning on the things above.