Reaching out to the children

Joseph was only 5 years old, but he already understood what he was learning at Shekinah Tutorial Services (soon to be renamed Obadiah Learning and Development), a ministry for children at Shiloh Bible Baptist Church, Punta, Dipolog City.


His father, a drunkard, was heavy on Joseph's heart. So, in typical blunt Filipino fashion, he approached his father. He said, "Papa, please stop drinking, God will get angry.You don't want to go to heaven?"


Now both of Joseph's parents are attending the regular church service, and Bro. Joel, the leader of the ministry, along with his wife, Lea, asks us to pray for them. "Please pray for power and Godly wisdom in our Bible studies with his parents," Bro. Joel said.

Children learn their lessons at the Shekinah Tutorial Services
children's outreach at Shiloh Bible Baptist Church.

Shekinah Tutorial Services is an outreach arm of Shiloh Bible Baptist Church, Punta, the church of Pastor Mario Montero. The name of the ministry is changing soon to Obadiah Learning and Development, and we are always happy to see things named after Old Testament Minor Prophets.


Obadiah L&D is an education program that is also an outreach tool. The ministry teaches the regular school subjects for children ages 4-10. It also provides books, papers, pencils, school uniform, shoes, socks, bags, notebooks,and all school supplies with snacks every day from Monday to Friday and fare to church every Sunday. There is also Bible instruction.


However, there is one condition: All the families whose children attend must agree to a twice-weekly Bible study and agree to attend the morning church service. If they agree to this, then the child is sponsored by the church for the education.

Students write their assignments during class.

How has this ministry been effective? Here's what Bro. Joel told us, "Many received Christ. Baptism is weekly, to God be the glory. Sunday population is increasing, Bible studies are almost every day..whew..Amen and Amen."


He goes on, "Two of our kids had been dedicated in the service for God by their parents.They were from another denomination but they dedicated their two kids at SBBC-Punta,where we preach Christ Crucified. Amazing and so great for God's glory. My wife and I became their sponsors...second parents to be exact."


Bro. Joel and Sister Lea do not turn away a child whose parents agree to the Bible study, and they are handling almost all the Bible studies alone. Indeed, everywhere the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.


But this ministry is not free. Each child sponsored costs about $50 per month. This third quarter, they have 20 children participating. An additional 17 are registered for the quarter beginning in January. The day of this writing, Bro. Joel and Sister Leah were conducting interviews with the families of the new applicants.


If all the children are registered for the next quarter, that will put 37 total children involved in the ministry. At $50 per child per month, that's quite a commitment. But the church is not afraid of it.


"We have to do some sacrificing, but to God be the Glory they are increasing," Bro. Joel said. "We also have to increase our faith, that is why we need prayers, more prayers. My wife and I can't do this alone. The church, you know is a pioneering church, we have to depend on God. We thank God Pastor Mario is backing us and so with the church."

The new applicants are seen here with Pastor Mario Montero (far left).

Can we join together in praying for this ministry? How we rejoice to hear about the salvation of children and their families. As Bro. Joel said, he and Sister Lea cannot do everything by themselves. Please join with us in praying for this ministry. Also, let us pray for sponsors who will help the church in the ministry needs. May God use us to help reach this community with the good news of Christ's love and sacrifice. 

Sister Lea appears with the current scholars. It appears Bro. Joel is in the background.