It has been a while since we updated you, but that has not been because we've been lacking in things to talk about. Actually, the last several days have been very busy. As I write this, I am three days away from making my first trip to the Philippines. Lots of Bibles, some Sunday School materials, many boxes of chocolate covered macadamia nuts, even found room for some clothes just for the fun of it.
But before we talk about the trip, I want to remind everyone of our financial needs. Now, we don't ask any money for ourselves. Perhaps God will one day make us a full-time ministry, but right now, that is not the case. We exist solely to bring financial help to the Shiloh Bible Baptist family of churches, located primarily on Mindanao in the Philippines. All of your money donated through Love in Action Ministries goes to these pastors and missionaries. So, when we talk about "financial needs," we are talking about the needs of these dear brothers in Christ to help them continue their ministry.
We have many needs, and we are praying about a few projects. Two at the top of our list right now are the SBBC in Tampilisan's building situation, and the SBBC in Dipolog City's need for a new lot.
Tampilisan's need is $1,250. They need that to finish their building. They have part of the building, but they are missing some key pieces. Essentially, they have a roof and some support structures. But they are missing a ceiling, a floor and walls. Plus, they want to build a pastorium for Pastor Raffy Begafria. All of that is only $1,250. But that's about $1,250 more than these dear people have. Our original goal was about $2,200, so God has provided a good portion of this need. But the need is still there.
Our other need is for the lot for SBBC in Punta, Dipolog City. This church has about 100 members, more than their building can hold. They have been praying for a long time to be able to purchase an adjacent 500sqm lot. With cost of the lot and cost of the paperwork, the church needs $12,000. (As far as how much they are able to raise on their own, see the above statement for our brother in Tampilisan.) With this project, we are offering the ability to donate per square meter. Each square meter can be purchased for only $24. If 500 people send $24, we will get this need met quickly. Obviously, there may be many who can give more than that, but please consider if you can give toward this need. Pastor there is Pastor Mario Montero.
Both of these pastors will be preaching at an engagement party on May 24. The bride-to-be will have many of her unbelieving family in attendance, and she has asked these pastors to preach the Gospel at the party so her family can hear about God's love through Jesus. These pastors will explain how God provided Jesus as a sacrifice on the cross for our sins, and how Jesus was raised up from the dead so all who believe on Him can be justified from their sins and have the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.
Once again, all gifts should be given through Love in Action Ministries. They are a ministry to homeless people in Dothan, AL, who proclaim the gospel among the poor. As we always do, we ask you to please consider supporting their ministry as well. They are more than a charity; they do share the Gospel with the poor and homeless, and they have seen fruit in their ministry. The contact information is available through the hyperlink and is listed down below.
Now, about my trip. I earnestly desire your prayers. I will be spending two weeks in the Philippines, meeting many people and speaking many times. In fact, I will be preaching in four services, twice on Sundays in Punta, Dipolog City, during Punta's anniversary service (May 31) and during the anniversary service in Tampilisan (May 25). I would appreciate any and all prayers for those meetings.
Also, I will be able to meet many of the missionaries at the monthly meeting. I have been asked to give my testimony there at the meeting. Please pray for the contacts to be made and the fellowship there.
Finally, I mention this last because I prefer to keep this blog about the ministry, but there is a personal aspect to this trip. That is all I will say about it, but I would appreciate prayers there as well.
Thanks for all the prayers, for Homegrown Harvesters, for the Shiloh Bible Baptist Church network of churches, for the pastors and for everything else you pray for. Please consider whether you can give. We are confident God will raise the money in His time. Consider whether you may be part of His answer to these people's prayers. We will try to update the blog as best we can during the trip, but it may be a bit of a challenge at times. But we look forward to sharing testimonies of God's grace and His work going on in the Philippines.
Love In Action International Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 85
Dothan, AL 36302
To contact us by phone, call:
334-494-4995
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