A Calamba Church Update

Since returning to the states in March, we have enjoyed the opportunity to travel around and share our burden for the Philippines. Despite the craziness of this Covid-19 pandemic, God has opened doors for us to still be able to deputize and raise our budget. 

Our original plan was to deputize for 3 months then return back to Calamba the last week of May. Unfortunately, like many of you, Covid changed our plans. It has now been almost 5 months since we left, and we have not been able to secure a flight back home. The Philippine government has shut down all travel to foreigners, and our flight we had scheduled in June had been cancelled. Although we are not physically where we long to be, we are grateful that the church doors of Calamba have been reopened, and they are continuing in revival! 

In these circumstances it makes us thankful for technology. Each week we have been able to send audio devotionals, messages, and sermons through our cell phone. We have received audio recordings of services, photos, and beautiful voice memos from the saints. Please continue to keep the Calamba church in your prayers. 

During this pandemic, the City of Calamba was under strict quarantine. The people were not able to leave their homes, unless they had a pass which allowed them to shop for groceries or medication one day a week. That pass was only given to 1 individual in the family. They also were not allowed to have church, which was very hard on them, as it has been on us here in the states. 

When the restrictions let up a little, the young people spent some time in the church working on a new Sunday School room. We were excited as they shared photos of their work with us. 

They have done an amazing job!!! Bro. Timothy, Bro. James and Bro. Javan are all artists and have created beautiful posters and signs for the room. 

Even Sis. Aubrey came by and helped cut them out. It made us smile to see her helping the other young people. 

We love it!!! We have a lot of different ideas on how we can upgrade our new room. The children are going to be so excited when they allow the church to once again have Sunday School!!! 

Because we cannot have the children meet inside the building, our young people have taken Sunday School to their neighborhoods. The young men carried the beat-box and guitar around and the girls led songs. I love seeing the joy on the children's faces!!! 

Please keep the Calamba Church in your prayers. It has been too long since we have been with our precious saints and we miss them so very much! 

Also, please continue to pray for the Philippine borders to open. We know that God will allow us to travel again in His perfect timing. 

February Conference

LUZON NATIONAL CONFERENCE

 Our conference this year was incredible! It is a very special week for the Luzon and Mindanao churches. The week begins with ACTS Graduation and then a week of services.

There are different sessions for ministers and wives, the youth, and then everyone meets in the evening for a great time together.

I thoroughly enjoyed every session I was a part of, especially Sis. Carrier's lesson for the minister's wives. It is always a special time when we are gathered together in the Cajanding's home. 

Every service there are special songs from each of the churches. We, of course, were filled with joy to see the beautiful Calamba saints worshiping God together. It was the beginning of a very special evening! 

That night Bro. Hearn preached about coming to church expecting something to happen. We have been praying and fasting for Aubrey and we are THRILLED to share that God filled her that evening with the precious Gift of the Holy Ghost. 

She had the biggest smile that evening and we all were beaming with joy ! Thank you Jesus!

The Calamba saints 

Sis Aileen, who is a daughter in law of a family in our church, also received the Holy Ghost. It was an exciting and memorable week for the Calamba saints! 

ACTS Graduation

ACTS BIBLE SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY

The ACTS Graduation was a beautiful ceremony. This was a day that we all had been dreading. The end of an amazing experience, and a blessed school year.
The students worked hard the last few weeks creating their decorations for the ceremony and banquet, and their gifts to each that attended the ceremony.

When I came downstairs and saw all of the students lined up for their procession, I cried. They smiled, some hugged me and told me not to cry, but I couldn't help it. Seeing them lined up, dressed alike and ready for the ceremony was hard. They looked beautiful and I was so proud of them all!

The ceremony was emotional and special. We heard from two of the students, Sis. Carrier led the choir, and after a slideshow and diplomas, Nate preached. He challenged them to 'Leave and Cleave'. To take all they had learned this school year and to incorporate it into their lives and local church.

The students, and also the different saints that attended were touched and we had a wonderful altar call.

We were blessed to have Elder Hearn, Bro. & Sis. Carrier, Bro. & Sis. Dudley, and of course Bishop & Ma'am White with us.

What a blessing these students have been to us! They have become our 'kids' and we love them dearly. We have had the greatest 9 months spent with them and are grateful for the many memories we all shared. 💗

Evangelism in Pasay

ACTS EVANGELISM IN PASAY

We had our last ACTS Evangelism weekend in the City of Pasay. Pastor & Sis. Carrier have started a work there and we were thrilled to help them hand out tracts and invite people to their Sunday services. 

After we had lunch we met at a basketball court and had an outdoor service. We had over 70 visitors come. It was very exciting!!!

 Pastor Carrier led worship, Sis. Carrier played the piano, the students sang, and Nate preached. 😁

 We had a beautiful move of the Holy Ghost and are thankful for the lives that were touched that night.

On Sunday morning everyone was out early gathering their contacts and preparing for the service. Between Sunday school and the regular church service we had 93 visitors come. How exciting!!

 Nate preached as Bro. Nario interpreted.

So many children showed up for Sunday School. The students sang, did a skit, told a Bible story, and had a candy rain.

Afterwards, we went to Mang Inasal for lunch.

What another beautiful day of memories we made. I am so thankful for the blessings of God on this special weekend.