Church of God
Asia & the Pacific News
Philippines

PHILIPPINES

Manuguit First Church of God, Manila, suffered a great tragedy on July 4 when a fire completely destroyed the two-story building. We praise the Lord no one was hurt among our thirteen orphans, children, and family members living in the attached building next door. As insurance premiums had not been paid for three years due to financial difficulties, estimates are that it will cost from $90,000 to $110,000 (U.S.) to replace the structure. We are depending on God to provide for our needs. (See complete story elsewhere in this issue for details.)

Despite this tragedy, we praise God that the church is growing. Three new churches have been formally recognized, and two more are being planted in Quezon City. On July 10 we launched a saturation ministry that will continue through November 30. We expect to reach out to at least 22 cities and municipalities during these months of concentrated outreach.

To facilitate this outreach, three ministers--Ben Sabilio, Nestor Morata, and Eddie Viray--will be traveling regularly to Mindanao and Visayas, as well as in the metro-Manila area leading crusades and church planting and leadership training courses for a nucleus of new converts and church workers. We also are grateful that several independent churches are willing to be affiliated with the Church of God.

The churches in the Manila area were encouraged recently by a visit of Mrs. Mila Ramos Waller from the United States. She formerly worked as the accountant and secretary in the Mission International office. Her faithfulness in working and in training ministers to prepare correct financial reports was appreciated by all. Returning to the Philippines for a visit after an absence of five years, she invited our ministers to lunch and presented each with books to assist them in their ministry.

Please pray for us as we prepare for the upcoming 8th Asian/Pacific Church of God Conference in Manila, December 4-7. We hope many brothers and sisters from throughout the region can come to fellowship, pray, learn, and grow with us during these days.