A Visit to Gumatdang

Last August 23, 2012, Thursday, I had an opportunity to visit Gumatdang, as my first time to go there since my father started to have bible study in the area. As from what I've heard though, we weren't the first to share God's Word in the place, but nevertheless, it's a great opportunity for which God has opened inorder to share His Word, esp. the gospel of Christ.

I had the opportunity to see the people who gather in the area, most of whom are mothers, I assume. I also had the opportunity to witness a little kid who likes to imitate my father playing the guitar. I would estimate his age at 2 or 3 years old. He too have his own little guitar, enough for him to hold. Some videos and photos I've taken is shown below this article.

From details I've heard from my mother and from my own observation as well, the people's livelihood in the area are through mining and farming. Most of which are mining, since wherever one looks at, there are many evidences of mining activities. Gumatdang seems to me like a place rarely been touched by city life. Although that's just my opinion or my first impression. The road as well in the area haven't been fixed yet.

From what I've known, the place can be accessed coming from Happy Hallow or going through Tuding. Accessing the place through Tuding, we walked for about 15-20 minutes to reach the place of our destination away from the road, whereas, my mother said if we've walked from Happy Hallow it would probably take 30 minutes. But walking from Happy Hallow, would mean a very steep hike coming back while the other side has lesser tiring hike.

As of now, there are about 10-20 people gathering for the bible study every Friday, and also desiring to be formed as a group or most likely a new church in the area. With their desire to be one, my father now have to teach once again and make them understand what a church is and of Christian living, but of course first and foremost securing their Faith in Christ Jesus, that is Salvation.

How is one saved? that is by grace through faith. God giving us His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, Him who knew no sin, died and took the penalty of our sin and he who believes and trust in that Truth, is saved (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8&9). Not by our own works or effort but simply having that Faith in Christ Jesus does one becomes a Christian. And that Faith is the seed that grows that brings forth fruit or fruits, an evidence that one is truly a child of God and follows the will of his Father.

With their desire to be a church, makes a new sense of challenge and a burden to carry, knowing that my father is only one and that we are still in the verge of establishing the fundamentals of the Christian church in Apalan-Guisset. Indeed once again, Christ Word is true, "the harvest is plenteous but the laborers are few." Sadly indeed there are few Bible believing and Christ-centered Workers who fulfills the great commission. Sadly there are laborers who takes more importance on what they benefit from doing God's great commission. Sadly so few are those who would lay down their life for others. Or perhaps, there are too many professed Christians very comfortable in their seats, just plainly enjoying the scenery of their church stage. I may be too much harsh on these words, but this statement is also a challenge for me. As I've been in the kind of picture too before and still prone to being one again. It's just that we Christians seem to easily forget why we are called the church and what was Christ's purpose for His bride, His body, the church in this world of darkness... Matthew 16:18 states that Christ's church will penetrate or attack the gates of hell and it couldn't withstand it. The problem these days, few Christians go to the battle. And, many are deceived and cornered to enjoy the pleasures of this world.

It's a painful picture how that Christians let others not hear the gospel of Christ. It's painful to see people walking pass by you while knowing they are uncertain of their final destination. Oh, pray that the Lord of the harvest send forth more laborers.



(My first visit to gumatdang for Bible study, my father playing the guitar while a kid immitates him. Sorry for the low resolution as I don't have a good and strong camera. If you want to donate (hehe!) feel free to contact me... =D...)