Various prayer requests

Sometimes, just to keep us humble, God reminds us of our inability apart from Him. Such is the case with some needs our brothers in the Philippines have. As Americans, even the poorer among us have more than these dear brothers often have. So we are often tempted to try to provide all the needs out of our own strength.

Recently, a man committed to donating $100 a month to a particular ministry, and he realized it was not much compared to the need. The lay minister whose ministry will receive it was overjoyed. He said "That is like a million dollars to these kids."

But as you will see, there are some needs that this size ministry can't meet right now. We do not have the monetary answer. So, we must turn our eyes to the One who owns the cattle on the thousand hills. We ask you to pray for the following needs with us. We pray that God will provide for these churches in their need.

Shiloh Bible Baptist Church Punta
This is the church closest to the author's heart. He learned a valuable lesson, because while making his visit in May, he took photos of the lot the church was trying to purchase. The landowner saw the "wealthy Amerkano" taking photos, and raised the price. So, the lots on the front and the back of the church are offered for 1 million Philippine Pesos each. One lot is 400 square meters, and the other is 700 square meters.

Additionally, the church is praying for another lot that is more than 1 hectare (the exact dimension is 11,644 square meters). The price for this lot is 7 million PhP. Now, the cost for the larger lot (based on the current exchange rate, which is always fluid) is about $160,000 US. the smaller lots a little less than $23,000. That is a lot for us, but it's impossible for this church. As James reminds us, "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world?" It is especially true for these believers. And these fishers of men are seeing their nets breaking with the attendance and new converts God is providing.

Shiloh Bible Baptist Church Salug
You may remember earlier this year we helped this church buy its property. Just to refresh your memory, the church faced the impending sale of the lot on which their building stood and which they rented. We raised the funds for them to buy it, but because of some title issues, it was impossible for them to purchase the property. So, they bought a lot nearby. Now, we pray with them for a building and pastorium on the new property. We are not certain on the price for the building needs (last time we got an estimate it was around $34,000 US, but that's banking on a foggy memory), but we ask for prayer right now.

Our Filipino brothers don't spend money foolishly when it comes to church buildings. They don't build for aesthetic quality as we tend to do in the U.S. They are content with mounted fans instead of air conditioning, wooden benches and stone flooring. They don't care about luxury; they want a place to meet. Please help us pray for this need.

Shiloh Bible Baptist Church Ozamis
This is the mother church for all these ministries. Pastor Jun Begafria left his island to start a mission church in a rough city. He even had to learn a new dialect, leaving behind his native Ilonggo for the Mindanao dialect of Cebuano. Currently, this church meets in a spacious room on the third floor of a building. Though it is spacious, they would prefer to have their own place to meet and worship.

They are praying for a lot near the airport. It is described as "not less than" 6 million PhP. That translates to roughly $136,000. The measurement of the lot is slightly above 13,500 square meters.

As you can see, those needs far exceed what we are able to provide at this time, and they certainly exceed what our brothers and sisters can raise. But we all pray to the same Father, if we are in Christ. So, let's join with them in praying for these needs.

As always, if you feel led to do more than pray, we do accept gifts through Love in Action Ministries. You can access them through the website in the link, or by writing them to the information below. Please designate your gifts to the Philippines, and if you have a particular church need in mind, designate it further. Also, please consider their ministry to the homeless in the Dothan, Ala., area. 

Love in Action International Ministries, Inc.

P.O. Box 85
Dothan, AL 36302
334-494-4995

As our Filipino brothers like to say, "God bless you more." May God's richest grace abound to you in all things.