1/28/12 – 2^nd Bible College to Open in July 2012!

Preparations are underway to open the Visayas branch of the Apostolic Bible College (ABC) of the Philippines in Kabankalan City in July 2012! 

 

The fields are white unto harvest! It is evident that in order to effectively evangelize the Philippines, we must equip and train many more workers and ministers. 

 

We’re making every effort to make a quality Bible College education available to every qualified student willing to devote him/herself to the work of the Lord.  We’re asking local churches to take on the responsibility to feed their students, and we also have plans to engage students who cannot pay in work and/or livelihood projects to cover some of the expenses, but we know from experience that we’ll likely come up (pretty far) short at the end of the day.  Up to now, we’ve covered the Bible College shortages from our monthly budget. Going forward, with two branches and many more students, it will likely be more than we can handle without some outside assistance.   

 

We’re moving forward by faith, believing God will provide!  But, we know that we need to make others aware.

ABC’s Projected Expenses for the 2012/13 School Year:   (Major items only for 30 students.)

Electricity -  $150 / month for 10 months                                            =       $1,500

Books  - ($10 per course x 12 courses x 30 students)                       =       $3,600

Food  -  ($35 per month per student x 10 months x 30 students)       =     $10,500

 

1/21/12 – Thrilling Testimony of the Power of Jesus name!

The following testimony was related to us recently by Pastor Roberto Niño...Sis Rowena is a new convert of ALJC-Kabankalan Church, baptized in Jesus name on September 21, 2011.  On a recent Saturday morning, while on her job as a tender of a burger stand in front of a mall in Kabankalan City, a mad man wildly shouting to passersby holding a machete in his hand was hacking anyone standing on his way to the mall’s entrance. The first man he hacked had 3 fingers cut off causing him to run for his life. One by-stander covered that man’s left hand and was in turn deeply wounded in his own left arm and another one was hacked on his upper left back portion  of his body. People in front of the mall were running away terrified from the madman, fearing that he/she may be the next victim. Sis. Rowena seeing what happened ran out of her cubicle towards the mall’s security guard and took cover behind the guard. But the man attacked the guard as well causing sis Rowena to run away for fear. Unfortunately, she stumbled at the steps of the mall and fell on the concrete floor.  She grabbed  the full attention of the madman as she painfully tried to get up and run away.  While still on her back he caught her by the arm and raised up his machete to hack her but she shouted at him forcefully , “HALLELUJAH IN JESUS NAME!!!”  The madman froze, he could not move his hand down, his eyes stuck wide open staring at her, stunned by the words “IN JESUS NAME”! It took a while before Sis. Rowena asked him ”What’s your problem?  Let’s talk about it.  You know  Jesus will take care of it.” And the man put his hand down, Sis. Rowena immediately got up, took the machete out of his hand and threw it near the Security Guard who hid it in a secret place. The scene was almost like a hostage drama to the amazement of curious on lookers.  The madman then tearfully confided his problem to her and wept bitterly as he recounted what happened to his life leading to his present state of hopelessness. She listened and won his trust and put him a little bit at ease. Sis. Rowena then said: “Don’t worry I will pray for you, Jesus cares and loves you and gave his life on the cross for you  He will surely help you solve your problems. “ The mad man got up wiping his tears feeling relaxed and at ease but after a while when he saw the mall’s security guard he was enraged again, and positioned himself to attack the guard . The guard fired a warning shot and just in time the police came and arrested the madman.  He was charged with the crimes he committed but had it not for Sis. Rowena and the name of Jesus, more blood or even lives would have been taken away that day.

 

Sis. Rowena the next day (her 2^nd  Sunday as a newly baptized convert) entered the Sanctuary tearfully thanking God for the new lease of life He has given her. She worshipped the Lord with all her heart unashamedly and she received the Holy Ghost evidenced with speaking in other tongues that morning as the presence of the Lord moved mightily in the congregation!

 

1/20/12 – Thankful for a Blessed Year!

“A good report maketh the bones fat.”  Proverbs 15:30

2011 was an extremely eventful and very blessed year for the ALJC Philippines!   The year just concluded included many “firsts” for our organization.  In 2011 we; graduated our first batch of Bible College students (with diplomas in biblical studies), commissioned our first missionary (Brother Ricky Ponje to Australia), hosted Missionary Paul Moorefield’s first evangelistic crusade in the RP, saw our daughter Sarah’s first visit to the RP, held the first ever ALJC Asia Pacific Regional Conference, and along with Brother Niño - traveled on our first missionary trip to the country of Nepal.  Praise the Lord!

 

The past year also saw one of the greatest outpourings of the Holy Spirit among us to date!  Our District Superintendents are still compiling their annual reports, so I do not yet know the final numbers of water and Holy Spirit baptisms, but I recall several “highlights”.  As I reflect on 2011, I give God thanks from the bottom of my heart for 80 souls filled during Bro Moorefield’s two visits, 41 Holy Ghost baptized during the Asia Pac Conference, 59 filled and 24 baptized during a 10 day visit to Mindanao, 23 Spirit filled during NYC, plus the many others born of water and Spirit throughout the year.  Glory!

 

I believe 2012 will be another exciting year for the ALJC Philippines.  We’re receiving many reports of doors opening, building projects beginning, and new outreaches & bible studies starting up.  We’re also very excited to be opening our 2nd Bible college in Kabankalan City in July and to have Bishop Robert Fries from Sydney, Ohio to minister to us in our upcoming General Conference which will be held in Manila on Feb 22-24. 

 

1/17/12 – Blessed by Brother Moorefield

The ALJC churches of the Philippines were blessed by Missionary Paul Moorefield’s recent visit.  We rejoice and give thanks for the 51 souls filled with the Holy Ghost during his  6 week stay here!  God bless you brother!

 

12/1/11 – Exciting Missions Trip to Nepal!

Nepal…The name evokes images of majestic peaks, exotic peoples, and myriad shrines to strange gods.   Many people come for adventure; others come to explore and venerate ancient places of worship.  Missionary Paul Moorefield, Pastor Roberto Niño from the Philippines and I came to Nepal this November on a different kind of quest.

 

The onslaught of sights, sounds, and smells in Kathmandu were almost overwhelming.  Our senses were bombarded by terrible roads, crazy traffic, garbage piled in the streets, sidewalk venders, burning incense, peculiar music, sacred cows, and countless altars and shrines to Hindu and Buddhist deities.    We witnessed many paying homage to gods that can neither hear nor answer their prayers.  Our Durbar square guide informed us that the Hindus worship 33 million gods!  (I now have a new prospective on Oneness!)   We even visited the house of the so called living goddess.   Our hearts became burdened for a nation in great darkness.

 

Until recently, Nepal was a kingdom with Hinduism as the official religion.  During that time Christians were persecuted.  Many pastors were imprisoned and beaten by the authorities.  The King of Nepal was deposed in 2008, but the country has yet to adopt a constitution.   Maoists are marginally in power now through a weak coalition government.  Christianity is still technically illegal, but it is beginning to flourish.  It is also illegal to proselytize.  In spite of these things, and no doubt somewhat due to the almost non-existent government, churches of many different denominations are popping up throughout much of the country.   

 

We’re happy to report that the Apostolic church in Nepal is also beginning to blossom.  Brother Moorefield has established good relationships with a handful of pastors who are building good works and reaching into remote areas.  During our time in the country, we were blessed to visit 3 different congregations, one on the outskirts of Kathmandu, another 10 hours away (by bus) in the city of Ghorahi, and a mountaintop outreach about 5 km from Ghorahi.   In every case, we found the pastors and saints to be sweet, gracious, and hospitable. 

 

The services were of course, somewhat different than we are used to.  Ladies and men sit on opposite sides of the church, everyone sits on the floor, and an interpreter was needed in every service.  The worship however, was very familiar!  The saints of Nepal received the Word eagerly and responded with unrestrained worship.  This in turn resulted in wonderful down pourings of the Holy Spirit.  Hundreds of people received prayer for healing and we heard several testimonies of miraculous healings.  In one instance, a partially paralyzed woman received instantaneous healing before our eyes!   (See Brother Niño’s testimony below.)   In all, we give praise to God for the 30 souls who received the Holy Ghost and the 9 who were baptized in the matchless name of Jesus during our brief missionary tour to Nepal. 

 

Please remember Nepal in your prayers.  I believe there is great potential for Apostolic revival there.  

 

Report of a Miracle in Nepal - By Rev. Roberto Niño

In Mark 16:17 Jesus said ”And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues……………. they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

 

Signs shall follow them who believe in Jesus wherever they are. During our recent trip to Nepal, I saw first hand how this promise worked in the midst of people who believed in Jesus. It was Wednesday morning. Pastor Baral brought us into the house of a woman requesting for prayer. Half of her body was paralyzed. Her face, hand and feet swollen, was not able to walk, and bed ridden for weeks already. Before we prayed pastor Baral recounted how this woman was baptized in Jesus name, served God for a while but due to pressures from her Hindu husband, was forced to offer yearly animal blood sacrifice to a Hindu god and obey family traditions and rituals that have been practiced by Hindus for hundreds of years. Repeated beatings and pressures from her husband and Hindu family, led her to return back to former old beliefs and even plunged deeper by being chosen as a Hindu living goddess so that she can  practice  healing rituals. Then  all of a sudden this disease struck her up to into her recent hopeless condition. She was brought to all known Hindu priests, spent fortunes to try many kinds of healing alternatives and lastly was put into I.C.U. in a hospital in India but her illness became more miserable. Doctors said her condition was hopeless and was sent home to wait for her time. Sometimes such condition will tempt us to pray for the Lord to put an end to her suffering by giving her R.I.P. but thanks be to God for people who put their trust in Jesus.  Mercy gripped our hearts as Bro. Naimy, Moorefield, Pastor Baral and myself laid hands on her.  We prayed for healing and deliverance from demonic oppression. The presence of the Lord moved in the room where we  prayed and touched her. Bro. Naimy through Bro. Barals translation in Nepalese language told her to repent, recant all her former beliefs, return back to serve Jesus and start calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And the Lord touched her heart, she cried and cried for repentance worshipping Jesus shouting “Allelujah Yesu” and Nepali praises to God we could not understand. After a little  while Bro. Naimy commanded her to rise up from her bed to walk on the floor and claim instant healing in the name of Jesus! He raised up her hands, then suddenly she rose up, went down on  the floor, with hands raised and whole bodyshaking, two feet leaping up and down, she mightily praised God for about 5 minutes! Praise the Lord!!! Then an eruption of worship among us followed. We left her house with peace and rest on her face.  Bro. Baral told her “We will have revival service this Saturday morning why don’t you come to our church and worship the Lord Jesus, start moving and doing your daily chores for Jesus already healed you!” 

 

As we walked back to church about 2 kms with a river to cross from her house I told myself “ If she can walk this far and be in  church this Saturday, then healing must be for real! God have mercy on me, sometimes we hope against our hope but thank you Jesus Saturday came and there she was with her daughter worshiping the Lord, speaking in other tongues and was one of the 30 who received the Holy Ghost!!! Jesus indeed is the true Healer and Savior! And His Word is true!

 

11/5/11 - “The best conference ever!”

Such were the opinions being freely offered by several of the attendees of this year’s combined Women’s Espirit (WE) & National Youth Convention held in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines from Oct. 27 - 31, 2011.   And, perhaps they are right!

 

From the first session of the WE Conference on Wednesday afternoon, to the final night’s service of NYC on Monday, the meetings were blessed by gifted and anointed speakers and the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit. 

 

We are so thankful for the sacrifices that our guests from the United States made to come all the way to the Philippines.  It was a great to have Sis Karen Farney (Sullivan, IL) and Sis Angelia Millican (Colo. Spgs., CO) as guests in our home and I know they were a big blessing to the Filipino saints as well. 

 

Brothers Michael Jadrnicek and Josh Wilson ministered deeply to all of us (both on and off the platform) by the Word they preached and by their positive, uplifting, Christ centered ministries.   

 

Most of all, we give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the 23 souls He filled with His Holy Spirit during the NYC services!

 

10/5/11 – Working for the Lord

On weekdays, we’re teaching in the Bible College in Manila.  We’re thrilled by the ministries we see developing in the 14 young men who are enrolled here.  We believe that a key part of God’s plan to reach the Philippines is developing national ministers who will in turn carry the gospel to their native peoples.  Lord willing, we will be opening a second branch of the Bible College in Kabankalan City in July 2012.

 

One possible development that we’re excited about involves using the Internet and video conferencing to conduct “virtual classroom” sessions.  The ability to conduct classes, with 2-way interaction, in multiple locations simultaneously, would greatly expand the reach of the Bible College.  One neat “side benefit” of virtual classroom technology would be the ability to invite guest lecturers from the US to teach in our classrooms, without needing them to leave their offices back home!

 

Many weekends find us traveling to our various churches located throughout the Philippines.  Travel here can be very taxing on the body.   Poor roads, crowded buses and boats, and tropical heat all take their toll, but it is worth it just to see the appreciation on the faces of our pastors when we show up to worship with them.

 

We are happy to report that God is still pouring out His Spirit in good measure in our churches.  At least 580 have received the Holy Ghost since 2009, our first year here, with a similar number being baptized.

 

We’re looking forward with excitement to our National WE and Youth Conferences, coming up at the end of October.  Please pray for these events to be a blessing to all in attendance.

9/5/11 – Packed Houses!

Thanks to the hard work and prayers of our pastors and saints, we’ve preached in a lot of places lately that were packed to, and even beyond, capacity.  More than 30 visitors attended the 1st Year Anniversary service of the outreach in Laguna Province, where Brother Alvin Alvarez is the pastor in charge.  Services are currently being held in Brother Alvarez’s apartment living room.  Even though the children were being tended to in a separate area, there was still not enough room inside to accommodate everyone. Several followed the entire 4 hour service from outside the building. Nonetheless, 3 souls received the Holy Ghost in that service!  Praise the Lord!

 

We were greeted to another capacity plus crowd at the 3rd Anniversary of our Taytay (Rizal Province) outreach, where Brother Napoleon Sullivan is the pastor.  Once again, many listened attentively from outside.  And, God blessed again as 6 more received the baptism of the Holy Spirit!

 

Once again, I want to thank those who have kept us, especially Sister Naimy, in their prayers.  Debra recently came down with Dengue Fever, a mosquito borne virus that comes with severe muscle / joint pain, headaches and high fever.  The disease normally runs its course in about 10 days. We praise the Lord that within minutes of a prayer request going out on day 5, all her symptoms disappeared for good!

 

8/5/11 – On the Go!

We are staying busy for the Lord!  While we teach in the Manila Bible College during the week, most weekends find us traveling to  minister at our churches throughout the Philippines. In just the last 3 months, I’ve preached in 12 different churches, scattered from Northern Luzon to Southern Mindanao!

 

It is always a blessing to visit these hard working and faithful pastors who are doing a tremendous work for the Lord!  

 

In the later part of the July we were blessed to visit Pastor Eldeflor Amores in Albuera, Leyte.  During our time there, Bro Amores conducted a “medical missions” outreach at his church, in conjunction with a local doctor and several nurses who all donated their time and services.  Over 125 patients from his community received free medical services and medicines donated by Bro Amores and his secular employer. (He is a pharmaceutical rep.)

 

In closing, Sister Naimy and I wish to thank the many who prayed for her, and all those who called and/or wrote, before, during, and after her recent surgery.   The outpouring of your love and concern touched us deeply.   We praise the Lord for a good report from the doctor, and that her recovery is progressing nicely.  

 

God bless you all!  We love you!

 

7/6/2011 – “A time to build…”

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

 

Recent months have seen a marked increase in church building activity for the ALJC churches of the Philippines.  Right now, new construction is underway in Kabankalan, Cubao, & Nagsubu and will begin soon in Albuera.  Revival necessitates expansion!  God has been adding souls and many of our churches are simply outgrowing their current facilities.

 

I’m extremely proud of our local pastors and congregations for doing what they can to reach souls and to contribute to the current building efforts, in spite of very challenging financial realities. (A “good” wage here is $9 per day and unemployment is very high.)   Our church buildings are all humble, utilitarian structures.  Only a few are constructed of concrete blocks with metal roofs.  Many are made out of wood and bamboo with nipa (grass) roofs.  Some have dirt floors.  Too many are sitting on rented land.  But, everyone is genuinely happy just to have a place to come together to worship God!

 

Our sincerest thanks go out to all those who support the Philippines mission with your prayers and your finances!  May God bless you richly! 

 

6/1/2011 – Simply Amazing!

“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”  Acts 2:47

It feels like the book of Acts has reopened in the Philippines! We have entered into a season of the outpouring of God’s Spirit that exceeds anything we have ever witnessed before here.  Since April 1st, more than 140 souls have been filled with the Holy Ghost in services, conferences, and rallies throughout the country, and many have been baptized in Jesus name.   To God be the glory!

 

Amazing doors of opportunity are also opening.  In May, Pastor R. C. Nino and I taught a leadership seminar to a group of high school teachers in Hinigaran, Negros, inside the public High School!  At the conclusion, we were able to expound on God’s wonderful plan of salvation and many were visibly moved.  Many thanked us for sharing God’s Word with them.  We believe this is the beginning of good things to come in this city where we do not yet have a church.

 

There are many places throughout the Philippines where we have opportunities to start outreaches, but we need more workers and ministers, as well as finances. Please consider sponsoring a Bible College student. It is the quickest way we know to equip men to work in this very ripe harvest field.  Thank you!

 

5/1/2011– Revival in the Philippines!

The last few weeks have been simply amazing!  Here are some of the great things God has done for in the Philippines recently:

 

- Visiting missionary Paul Moorefield (India) evangelized among our churches in Luzon and Negros. 39 received the Holy Ghost during those services!

 

- The first Asia/Pacific Regional Conference of the ALJC was held in Bacolod City.  We were honored to have some of most amazing people on earth in attendance!  These included our missionaries Bro & Sis Edmonds from Taiwan, Bro & Sis Barnett (plus 8 others!) from Papua New Guinea, & Bro Moorefield from India, visiting minister Bro Bruce Glass from Australia, plus Bishop M. L. Walls, Bro Curtis Harris, Bro Matthew Ball and the Ed MacDonald family from the USA!   Everyone in attendance was uplifted, encouraged, and renewed by the ministries of these wonderful men and women of God!  We rejoice over the 41 who received the Holy Ghost during the Conference!

 

-  We issued Diplomas in Biblical Studies to the 7 students who completed their first year in the Bible College.   This is a vision coming to fruition!  Please join us in praying for God’s help in preparing many more laborers for His harvest.   Thank you!  Bro & Sis Naimy  

 

4/1/2011– Expanding Our Reach!

March was a busy outreach month for the ALJC churches of the Philippines.   The Cubao, Manila church conducted two Saturday night crusades with the theme “Jesus is Coming”.   These events featured great music followed by “End Times” prophecy news and evangelistic preaching. The rallies were conducted in areas where we already have small groups meeting regularly. We are thrilled that each event had over 100 visitors from the respective local areas in attendance!  We were very happy to have a very special guest preacher for the Novaliches meeting, Missionary Paul Moorefield (India) who will be spending the next month evangelizing and teaching in several our ALJC Philippines churches.

 

In Kabankalan, pastor R. Nino reports that more than 500 area High Schoolers attended a weekend Bible retreat his church sponsored! 

 

We’ve witnessed many hearts being touched by the Spirit of the Lord and the ministry of the Word in recent weeks and believe with all of our hearts that God is preparing a great harvest of souls to be with Him in eternity, from the Philippines. Please continue to pray for  revival in the Philippines!  

 

2/26/2011 – Sarah Visits the Philippines!

Our daughter, Sarah, recently made her first visit to the Philippines.  During the 6 weeks she was here, she got to see a lot of new and interesting places and she made lots of new friends!  Debra and I are extremely  grateful for all the kindness that our  Filipino brothers and sisters showed Sarah while she was here.  Everyone went out of their way to make her feel welcome and part of their family.  Sarah had a great time, and we can’t  wait till she comes back again!
 

 

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