Preaching activities from June 7-July 2, 2023

 June 7 (Midweek Service)

As we continue to invite preachers from other congregations, it is not just to hear what they prepared to preach but also to know them better and to hear about their own congregations. This time, we invited brother Robert Rances to teach to us. He is the preacher of Lingu Church of Christ and also joining me in the work at Palca and Dagupan. He shared the lesson "What does God wants for men to do?".

June 9 (Palca)

I visited the family of Rosita Telan at Palca. Her husband just got out of the hospital two days ago because of pneumonia. I encouraged the with the words of God and united in prayer to thank God for the healing of her husband. 

June 10 (Dagupan)

I visited Jobelyn Manicad at Dagupan. She is still in battle with cancer right now but slowly getting better. She still cannot attend our services because her body is still weak. We also prayed and study together to stregthen her in this time of trial.

I also visited sister Leona again because she was hospitalized a week ago. Our sister is already in her early 80's and she have a lot of sickness. Just like sister Jobelyn, it is difficult for her to come to our services. It is not just because she doesn't have the strength but also it is very hot in the place we do the worship.

 June 11 (Sunday Worships)

In our bible study here at Tuguegarao, brother Jun Gumiran discussed to us Matthew 28. This is the first time I heard him stand in front. We are encouraging all the male in the congregation to practice standing in the front to teach, lead prayers and song leading especially the teenagers. They are the once who will someday replace us.

In the sermon, I preached to them the lesson "A courageous Man". It is about the courage David had when he fought Goliath. A courage all christians should have in facing all the giant problems we have in our lives. God is  in the battle with us, so why should we be scared or give up. 

I Palca and Dagupan, I also preached the same lesson. Brother Robert didn't come with me because he was sick and so I did all the preaching. 

 June 12 (Bible Study)

Brother James Attaban invited me to teach in Alibago. It is in the birthday of brother Jacob and his son. They wanted to have a study on God's word before any celebration. They are putting God first in everything. I shared to them the lesson about "Giving Thanks" and added lessons about the church because I can see a lot of non-christians in the audience.

 June 14 (Midweek Service)

In our bible study, we invited brother Rogelio Esperanza. He is the preacher at San Luis Church and Santo Tomas Church. He is also helping in the work at Nangalisan Church where our elders, brother Flor and Line are preaching. He shared the lesson "Shocked people on the judgment day".

June 15 (Mungo)

I visited sister Erlinda Manuel at Mungo, Tuao. She haven't been in attendance in our worship for more than a month already. I found out that she was there because she is taking care of her newly born granddaughter. The place is far from Palca and for about 1 hour that I was there, I didn't see any vehicle pass by. She wanted to go to the church but because of the location where she is at, it is very difficult. She told me, she will look for a way to attend the next weeks.

 June 18 (Sunday Worships)

In our bible study, we already finished study the book of Matthew and now, we are on the next book. Brother Andy Aquino, shared to us the "Introduction to the book of Mark".

If the sermon, I was asked to preached again. This time, the lesson I taught is about "Did God really mean that?", showing the events in the bible where God made a command and the people should either follow or now, and the consequences will come if they will not obey.

In Palca, I asked Jhian to preach. He shared the lesson about "Running with God". I am asking him and Henry to preach, lead prayers and singing even just once a month (preaching). They are still studying but I wanted them to train harder to work in the Lord's vineyard.

In Dagupan, brother Robert preached to us about "Salvation". After the sermon, invitation was extended and one precious soul came in front to confess his faith. He is brother Freddy Castro. He's been attending our services for almost 2 months already and we are very happy to see him obey the gospel. We brought him to the baptistery at Palca and immersed him there.

June 21 (Midweek Service)

Our invited teacher for our bible study is brother Edgar Corpuz. He shared to us a very good lesson about "Focus". The title itself is already telling us what to do. He is the preacher at San Vicente Church and also working in Maguirig Church.

June 23 (Dagupan)

I visited Maricel Castro, Marites Bauit, Angelu Nacorra in Dagupan. I prayed and shared words of God to them. They are all doing fine and are in our worship always.

 June 25 (Sunday Worships)

In our bible study, brother Anthony Panopio discussed to us "Mark 1:1-45".

We also have another guest who is from Quirino province. He is brother Willie Otey Pastor. He came together with his wife. He is a preacher of several congregations in there province. He preached a wonderful lesson about "Is there a hope in the future?".

In Palca, brother Robert preached on "Colossians 2:1-23" wherein he discussed about the life of a Christian with God.

In Dagupan, I also preached the same lesson I taught in Tuguegarao the previous week entitled "Did God really mean that?"

 June 28 (Midweek Service)

In our midweek service, we invited brother Jimmy Duque. He is the preacher of 4 congregations in the town of Amulung in Iguig. He shared to us the lesson |5 ways to deepen your relationship with God". 

June 29 (Dagupan)

I visited sister Elaine Puselero in Dagupan. She was working in Saudi Arabia and arrived two weeks ago. She is the mother of brother Jhian. After that, I went to the hospital because Jhian was there. He have acute gastritis and was there for two days already. Thankfully, he got out of the hospital Friday afternoon.

July 2 (Sunday Worships)

In our bible study, brother Lance Panopio taught in our bible study. He is one of my student in the teenagers class and I am happy to see him stand in the pulpit for the first time. He did a great job in discussing "Mark 2:1-3:6". We asked him to teach also in our bible study on August 2. 

In the sermon, brother Flor preached to us a good lesson about "Think and do better."

In the afternoon, at Palca, I preached the lesson "Doctrine of Salvation through prayer". I discussed to them this lesson showing what the bible says about it, it that is really true.

In Dagupan, brother Robert preached again the lesson on "Colossians 2".

Preaching Activities from May 7- June 4, 2023

May 7 (Sunday Worships)

In our bible study here at Metro Tuguegrao, one of our elders, brother Lino Darauay shared to us the lesson on "Matthew 26:1-46".

In the sermon, I preached to them the lesson about "Giving Thanks". Brother Rody is already in the US that's why the elders decided that I will take his place in all the activities and the elders will also help me.  

In the afternoon at Palca, I preached to them "Lessons we can learn from cellphone uses". I showed to them things on how the cellphone is used and gave to them how we can adopt those same things in our Christian lives.  

In Dagupan, brother Robert Rances preached to us on "2 John 9-11". We needed to end the study in the middle of it because it rained again heavily that we cannot hear anything. We are still worshiping in the house of brother Enzo because our chapel still needs a lot of materials to finished. Right now, we do not have any funds anymore.  

May 10 (Midweek Service)

The elders decided that we will invite again preachers from other congregations to come and teach in our bible studies. They gave me the obligation to contact anyone I know who can come. They decided that we will do that so that I can also focus on some other things that we needed in the church. This time we invited brother Dennis Yuson, the preacher at Aquib Church. He shared to us the lesson "The battle belongs to the Lord". They also have a problem right now in the place where they worship. The owner of the building wants to remove them and so they are trying to find a new place to worship.

May 12 (Palca and Dagupan)

I went alone to find some brethren who are at their houses. Unluckily, I haven't found any brethren in Dagupan. Some are at school and others are at work. In Palca, I found sister Nicole and her family, sister Krizel and sister Princess Alicaycay in their homes. I shared to them biblical examples and prayed with their families. In the family of sister Nicole, three of them are Christians, in the family of sister Krizel, three of them are Christians but on of her sibling, sister Kenneth is in Cavite working as a teacher while her mother became unfaithful since her husband became a village officer. I didn't saw her when I was there. For sister Princess, she is the only Christian in their family. She was invited by sister Jayzel before, her friend, and was baptized into Christ. Until now, she is very faithful. She is only 16 years old. 

May 14 (Sunday Worships)

In our bible study here at Tuguegarao, brother Lino continued to teach the lesson on "Matthew 26:47-55".

In the sermon, brother Flor told me that he wanted to preach. He is one of our elders. I have already prepared a lesson and came very early in church to set-up my presentation but he came and told me this. I am happy and fine with it because they are now volunteering to preach. Unlike before, when brother Rody is not here, I am the only one preaching. And so he preached the lesson about "What is the Church of Christ?".

In the afternoon, at Palca, brother Robert preached to us the lesson about "Doctrines of God,Man and Devil". I did all the other things for the worship.

In Dagupan, I also preached to them the lesson "Lessons we can learn from cellphone uses". Thankfully, it didn't rain and I finished to preach the lesson completely. 

May 17 (Midweek service)

Our invited preacher this time is brother Efren Respicio. He is the local preacher at Cadaan church. He shared to us the lesson "Worthy". The lesson is asking us the question if we are worthy of all the blessings of God, worthy of being cleanse from our sin and worthy of heaven.

May 19-20

Not only May 19, but almost one week that illness hits our family that's why I never got a chance to visit the brethren and do some work in the church.

May 21 (Sunday Worship)

In our bible study, brother Lino discussed to us Mathew 26:56-75.

In the sermon, I also preached to them the lesson "What does cellphone uses teach us?". I only change the title, but it is the same lesson as the one I preached in Palca and Dagupan. I am still very weak when I stand to preach. I am the one scheduled and so I did what they asked me to do. 

In Palca, I asked brother Jhian to preach in my behalf. I am very tired already because of my illness (Fever and flu). I still went to Palca and Dagupan to do my work. He preached about the "Needs of the glorious church". 

In  Dagupan, brother Robert preached to us "Let us not grow weary in doing good". 

May 22 (Wedding)

We attended the wedding of sister Angelu and got a chance to teach also about Marriage. Brother Edgar Licodini was the one who preach and most of the audience are non-Christians. It is a great chance to introduce to them the words of God especially the Church of Christ.

May 24 (Midweek Service)

Our next invited preacher is brother James Attaban. He is now the preacher at Alibago Church together with brother Jay Gumpad since brother Rody left the congregation. They are also both working in Minagbag Church. He shared to us the lesson about "When the Christians are glad".

May 25 (Dagupan)

I should be visiting the two congregations at Tuao but when I went to Dagupan, I first tried to look for our brethren, but again, they are in school and at work. My chance, I asked a man if he knows where a certain brother is. The brother I am looking is not also in their home and so we have a conversation about what is my purpose of looking for him. I told him that I am their preacher and wants to visit them. When he heard that I am a preacher of the Church of Christ, he became interested and so I got a chance to preached to him. He is Mr. Fred Castro (I am not sure if his first name if correct). I invited him in our services, and to this day that I am writing this report, he never have any absences in our worship. I am praying that one of this days, he will already obey the gospel. 

May 28 (Sunday Worship)

In our bible study, brother Flor discussed to us "Matthew 27:1-26".

In the sermon, we have an invited preacher. The elders decided that during this time that brother Rody is not here, we will also invite preacher to join us every last Sunday of the month. We invited brother Reymund Welba, a preacher from Tumauini. He came with his whole family. He preached to us a good lesson about "Freedom from sin"

In Palca, we already have in the news that a typhoon is coming in our area at around 3-5pm and so we needed to use our time wisely to prepare also for this typhoon.  We started early in our worship. Brother Robert preached the lesson "Walk worthy".

In Dagupan, where it is already 2:30 when we started. Those who are around the area that are non-Christians have already prepared for the typhoon while the brethren are with us in worship. I preached to them the lesson "Unless your righteousness exceeds the Pharisees". When we finished the worship, the wind is starting to blow hard, but eventually, stop after about 15 minutes. 

We are very thankful to God that the typhoon did not directly hit us. Only a few rains and a weak winds came. No harm was done to any houses.

May 31 (Midweek service)

We have brother Jay Gumpad this time to teach in our bible study. The one who should be coming is brother Jimmy Domingo, but a day after the bible study, he already called us, telling us that he is sick. Thankfully, brother Jay is here and volunteered to teach. If there are no one to stand, I am always ready to take their place. I have prepared many outlines already. Brother Jay preached the lesson on "Ways on how people disobey God".

June 2 

Brother Jay invited us to Calantac, Alcala. There are still no congregations there but we are already planning to starting one. We still have to exact day/month, but we are sure that one day, a congregation will start there. Brother Jay's mother-in-law is the one living in the area. 

June 4 (Sunday worships)

Brother Flor decided to teach again in the sermon and so I asked them if I can do the bible study instead. I got a chance to teach to them "Matthew 27:27-56". About the crucifixion and death of Christ.

In the sermon, brother Flor preached to us about "Christian Maturity". 

In Palca, I asked them what lesson they wanted. I showed them my outline for Matthew 23 and Matthew 27 and they decided that we will also study chapter 27. In sermon type, I preached to them Matthew 27.

In Dagupan, brother Robert preached to us "Why do we need to prepare?" And again, the rain came hard. We are almost done with the sermon, but we needed to end because we cannot hear anything once more. The rain goes on until the evening. We are praying that we can find additional funds for us to finished the chapel so that even if it rains, we can still continue with what we are doing. According to the construction workers, their estimate for all the expenses is from $10,000-$15,000 more. We are entrusting God that He will help us. We do not know how He will do it but we are trying our best for it to be completed. 

Preaching activities from April 2 to May 3, 2023

April 2 (Sunday Worships)

We do not have our teens’ class because the room where we study is under construction. We do not have any place to meet and so we just joined the bible study inside the chapel. Brother Flor Constantino discussed to us Matthew 25 on the Parable of the Ten Virgins and Talents.

In the sermon, brother Rody preached on Matthew 18:1-12 about the greatest in the kingdom and the lost sheep.

In the afternoon, at Palca, I preached to them the lesson about “What kind of servant are you?” I was joined by brother Robert Rances and he will be coming with me every Sunday to help me in the work. He no longer work at the congregation at Alibago and so we asked him if he can help in the work in Palca and Dagupan.

In Dagupan, brother Robert preached to us “What they said”. That is, doctrines of men that many followed which he discussed what the bible says about it.

April 5 (Midweek Service)

Brother Harry Osborne arrived here in Tuguegarao early Wednesday morning and he was also the one who taught in our evening Bible Study. He preached to us about “Things Essential in being approved unto God”. Preachers from other congregations also came and join us.

April 6 (Gospel Meeting)

We held our Gospel Meeting here in Metro Tuguegarao Church and we have three speakers for the day. Brethren from other congregations also came that’s why the church building is full. We needed to borrow chairs from the village hall just for them to have a sit. The chapel cannot accommodate everyone inside and because we are also having a live streaming, we set-up the tv of brother Rody in the parking area so that those who are outside can still watch/listen to the sermons. The attendance is almost 300.

My wife help in teaching the kids who came just to lessen the number the people inside the chapel. They also stayed in the parking area where there is a lot of space. It is very hot outside but we still manage to give what those in attendance needed and that is to listen to the words of God preached. 

Brother Willy Otey Pastor was our first speaker and he preached “Satan Comes to Services”. I copied his outline and will also study and share this to our brethren. He is from Cabarroguis, Quirino and preacher of several congregations there. 

The second speaker in the morning is brother Harry Osborne. He preached a good lesson about "Breaking the Hold of temptation".

The third speaker and in the afternoon is brother Lance Coloma. He is really not a preacher but an engineer who is only helping in the work at Pasay Church in Manila. He is from Alibago, Enrile and I have known him since he was a kid. He started to learn leading songs, then standing in front to read bible verses and now he can preach. I pray that many kids will be like him someday. For the lesson, he preached about "Fortifying a Christian Family".

And the last is brother Harry again. He preached the lesson "Faith that overcomes".

Invitation was extended and one precious soul obeyed the gospel. He is from Lattac where brother Jayson Tanguilan is preaching.

April 8 (Gospel Meeting)

We went to the Gospel Meeting at Cadaanan Church where brother Efren Respicio is preaching. When we arrived, brother Robert Rances just ended his lesson. Then brother Harry followed with the lesson “Defeating the Devil”.  Invitation was extended and three teenagers came in front to confess their faith. The ages ranges from 12-14. I was asked to lead songs in the work.

In the afternoon, we went to Bangag Church for their Gospel Meeting also. This time, only brother Harry is scheduled to preach. I was asked once again to help in leading a song. The topic is about “From interest to obedience”. Invitation was extended and two man came in front. When asked to confess, they said that they were baptized before. It was 20 years ago and time came when Satan pulled them out of the church and returned to worldly activities. This time, they both came in front to repent of the sins they committed in front to the congregation. Everyone is happy with their decision. I know they will now do everything to fix their spiritual lives.

April 9 (Sunday Worships)

In our bible study here in Tuguegarao, brother Flor continued with our discussion on Matthew 25. No classes for the teenagers because the elders wanted everyone to be inside the chapel. But for the kids, my wife and sister Tessie still went on with their classes.

In the sermon, brother Harry preached to us "Losing it all to gain Christ".

In the afternoon, at Palca, brother Robert is again with me. I led the work in singing and praying while he preached to us. He shared a lesson about “What they said". 

In Dagupan, I was the one who preached and it is all about “The Snake, A Captain and Baptism” (belief +obedience). 

April 10 (Bible Lectureshipat Tuguegarao)

We again have a full room with brethren coming from several congregations. It is a non-working holiday and so even the students are present. My estimate is, we have about 200 attendance. Aside from brother Harry, we also invited other preachers to preach to us. For the first day, we have brother Edgar Licodini who is a preacher at three congregations in Ilagan province. He preached to us the lesson about "The wrath of God". Then for the second speaker, we have brother Harry who preached the lesson "Claim-power-proof".

In the afternoon, we have another preacher who shared a wonderful lesson to us. He is brother Efren Ramos who is from Ilocos Region. He preached an edifying lesson about "Perseverance". Lastly, the last speaker for the first day is brother Harry who preached "Lay aside every weight".

April 11 (Bible Lectures)

For the second day, the attendance is now smaller, it is about 130-140. We have again an invited speaker and is he brother Rodel Baagin from La Union. He preached the lesson about "Rapture", discussing the error of this doctrine. Followed by brother Harry who preached about "Are you a Pharisee?".

In the afternoon, we have brother Ben Vistro as the first speaker. He is from Tabuk City. He preached the lesson about "The danger of apostasy". And finally, brother Harry preached "Modern religion: godliness without God". Invitation was extended and one precious soul was converted into Christ.

April 12 (Midweek Service)

I was asked by our elders to teach in our bible study. I shared to them the lesson about “7 Reasons why people don’t obey God”. Many are still away because of the Easter vacation. 

April 16 (Sunday Worship)

In our bible study at Tuguegarao, brother Rody shared to us the first parts of Matthew 26. We do not have the teenagers class as per request by the elders that we will join the bible study at this time and maybe this will push through until August because I will be helping in the bible study and sermon. Brother Rody will travel to America on May 5 and so brother Lino and brother Flor (our elders) and I will take charge of all the work here.

In the sermon, brother Rody preach “Matthew 18:15-35”.

In the afternoon, at Palca, I preached to them the lesson about “Simon, the sorcerer”. We can learn many things about the conversion of Simon. From his obedience to the gospel until the sin he committed. 

In Dagupan, brother Jhian preached first and he shared the lesson “To whom shall we go?”. Followed by brother Robert Rances who gave additional lectures regarding the lesson Jhian shared. More on doctrinal parts which we should know in order to answer the questions of others especially the Jehovah's witnesses that is one part of the doctrines discussed.

April 19 (Midweek Service)

We are happy to be with brother Ron Halbrook again. This time, his son brother David also came, together with his grandson Joel. Is been a decade since brother David came here. He was with his wife before and also sister Donna Halbrook.  It is such an encouraging thing to see three generations of Halbrook together and a very good example on how to raise a child in the presence of God.

In our study, brother David preached to us about "Science, God and You". Invitation was extended and three precious souls obeyed the gospel. They are from Lanna and will be joining the congregation there. 

April 21 (Gospel Meetings)

We have scheduled a gospel meeting at Dagupan Church where I am preaching to be with brother Ron and brother David. They both preached a very challenging and encouraging lessons. We have about 75-80 attendance. Our chapel is not done yet and so we still gathered in the house of brother Enzo. We are very thankful for this opportunity to be with our american brethren who helped strengthened everyone's faith. We also went to the chapel we are building. Brother Ron is the one helping us locate funds for the materials.

After Dagupan, I also joined them in going to Nangalisan Church for another Gospel Meeting. We were late when we got there because I still needed to talk to the brethren at Dagupan before leaving. It was brother Ron already who is preaching when we arrived. The picture I got is from the shared photo of brother Rody.

April 23 (Sunday Worship)

I was invited to preached in the congregation of brother Robert Rances in Lingu in the morning. The congregation started when brother Robert left us here in Tuguegarao. He is one of our elders in Tuguegarao, before but he decided to open a congregation in his hometown, and so he left. I preached the lesson about “Is everyone going to heaven?”

We finished the worship at Lingu at 10am but we needed to be quick and be with Dagupan at 10:30. There was an invitation in a birthday for the grand son of sister Ema Castro and she wanted us to pray for the baby. But before that, we have our worship first. I preached the lesson about “Giving thanks”. We have visitors who are also the guests of sister Ema. We invited them to join us in the next services and also gave them bible tracts. After that, we went to the celebration and prayed to Grein, the grandson of sister Ema. Both the parents of the baby are in abroad working and she is the only one taking care of him. Grein is just 2 years old. It is hard to leave your son especially when he is just a kid but because of the difficulty of having a job here in the Philippines, they are force to work abroad.

In the afternoon, at Palca, Jhian preached “Where are your affection?”. Henry and Robert are also with us. 

April 26 (Midweek Service)

In our bible study here at Tuguegarao. brother Rody shared to us again "Matthew 18" because there are messages to him that they wanted to listen to it again. 

April 27 (Dagupan)

 I visited the brethren at Dagupan. I am alone because Jhian and Henry are at school. For all the houses of brethren I went, only sister Angelu is at home. His partner is also there. They are not yet married and have two kids already and so I explained to them about marriage. Thankfully, they understand. Only sister Angelu is the christian and I am praying that someday, Alphy will be too. As of today, May 4, they already got their papers at work and on May 22 will be the wedding.

April 30 ( Sunday Worship)

In our bible study here at Tuguegarao. We started with "Matthew 26". Brother Rody was the one who shared to us.

In the sermon, he preached on Matthew 19:1-15.

In the afternoon, at Palca, I also preached to them the lesson on "Giving thanks". But this time, I adopted the lesson according to the need of the congregation. 

In Dagupan, brother Robert preached "2 John 9 Doctrines of Man, Devil and God". Half way of the sermon, the rain came and it is not just a normal rain, it is a hail. The roof is very noisy that we cannot hear him anymore. We decided to end the sermon after 30 mins of waiting for it (rain) to stop and prayed together. The rain didn't stop until we came home to Tuguegarao. We, at Dagupan church are praying that we can already finished building our chapel. A lot of funds are still needed because there is still no roof, windows and doors.

 

May 3 (Midweek Service)

In our bible study, brother Rody shared to us "Matthew 19:16-30". This is the last time brother Rody is preaching here before they travel to the US.