2011 Ministries

Days and months have passed and the year-end draws nigh once again. Just before 2011 started, I’ve prayed and prepared myself to a ministry that will lead me to be part of my father’s and my “Father in Heaven’s” mission work. At first, I went with my father to minister in a place called Apalan, where some believers reside, of whom my father previously ministered to after the well known killer quake of 1990. In a few months, a bunch of young people, who came from a place called “Guesset” joined into the fellowship in Apalan. After which, my father came to know that those young people were actually children of those old members of the local church in Guesset, which has actually been disbanded due to ceasing of assembling themselves. My father worked in that local church year 1990s and from which left to go to another place, leaving the ministry to the Minac Baptist Church. And now that my father came back to minister again in Apalan, these young people came. There are more stories about how things come about but it might take me a lot of time explaining and narrating everything. But just to cut the story short, it was agreed to hold services in Apalan and Guesset on Sundays alternately. Forgetting to mention, my father also was actually given a schedule to preach every first Sunday in a place called Daclan, the adopted mission point of Loakan Baptist Church (which currently was moved to second Sunday of the month). And before the young people from Guesset came, we were actually going to Daclan along with the Apalan folks to minister in that place. I was dismayed at my first-time visit at Daclan since I saw only few of them compared to those of us who visited. But nevertheless, even few, they are to be counted faithful. And what I saw when we came, were eyes filled with joy seeing that so many of us came. But not so long, with Guesset folks joining the Apalan folks in services, changes had to be made. So at times that my father had to go, he would bring a number of those who are able to go with him and I have to stay to continue holding services in Apalan / Guesset.

                Within the year, my father was commissioned by the Loakan Baptist Church as an official local missionary of the church; two batch of believers also followed Christ through the water baptism; Janice Galong also volunteered to teach children, whereas I was in-charge of teaching the young people, as for my father to the adults. And if ever my father had to go to Daclan, he would assign volunteers to share God’s Word. A work was also established in a place called “Cubabeng”, due to the request of one member from Apalan and one member from Daclan, who had both relatives in the area. My father then committed to go to the place every fourth Sunday of the month. I was privileged to see the work when my father visited for the second time. And I saw old folks and also children that desires to hear God’s Word. Oh, the burden of sharing to the lost, how has it that this passion seem to go away from God’s own people? I must admit, I’ve never seen before the great need to really go out and reach those desiring to know Christ until I decided to help my father and be part of my Father’s work. Even with some hindrances, like my language skills, God sustains and by His grace, enables us to do His work whether in Apalan, Guesset, Daclan or Cubabeng.

                By third quarter of the year, the Apalan-Guesset Fellowship was established and was organized, but seemingly the enemy does not simply stand and watch. The enemy too does his work, as many delays, hindrances and struggles occurred and probably still occurring. Praying that indeed even with these circumstances, the gospel of Christ continues to be proclaimed that many lost shall hear the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

                With the coming end of the year, my father envisions to start a new work in a place called “Beckel.” Or perhaps pioneer a church there too. The work actually started already with prayer meetings being held every Wednesdays. But the plan is to set Sunday Services there and to preach the gospel in that area too probably year 2012. Recently Bible Studies were already held every Saturday with a hope that God’s hand leads them. My father and mother, along with some Apalan-Guesset Fellowship members, who are actually residents there, started the bible studies to where ever God lead them. So far, it went well, even with some disturbances of the enemy; presumptively, as the original houses of bible study didn’t come to materialize. Instead they were directed to 2 different houses that accommodated them well.

                Truly God is great and amazing! With all the things I’ve seen, I’ve seen how God works in people. But sometimes places me too in question, wondering about the churches of today. Does the church really know and understand the gospel of Christ? Truthfully I know that the church has its ministries, but sadly and most often I see churches just waiting for people to come, when in fact we are commanded by Christ to go. Of course I know, I ought not to judge, but I’m sincerely hoping and pleading that churches will learn to “go” and pursue it. Go out and reach toward the people, may not be in words but could also be done in actions and in small things, just simply sharing the blessing of knowing Christ Jesus in our lives (e.g. sharing our belief through posting it in our FB status). With all the signs and shocking events of the year 2011, I wonder if the churches are very alarmed. Have they become so dumb, deaf and blind too to see that the Lord’s Coming draws nigh? It’s just sad and probably I’m one to blame, but God has given His people all that is needed to fulfill His command. The Word of God, the Holy Spirit that indwells His people and gives authority and power to proclaim the gospel of Christ, the grace that God daily provides, faith to counter each doubts and fears. What more does His people need or require? Oh may it be that God’s people move before the time comes when God will close the door of grace. To them that has ears to hear, let them hear what Spirit says unto the churches.