I've only been here a little under a week but I've already seen some remarkable things! The missionary who is hosting my team is launching a seminary here to train local pastors. This week, he's teaching the first class of the new school, a summer class on Biblical Hermeneutics! It's amazing to see these local pastors here excited to learn how to study the Bible better so that they can serve their congregations well. The local believers have been incredibly hospitable and friendly, and it's amazing to see the fruit of the Gospel that is already here, both in the city and the surrounding area. We're primarily working at an established church here where our host missionary works which is also the site of the brand new seminary. This church has been around for a while, and has planted many churches in the area! This last Sunday, we were able to visit one of these plants in a more rural area, about half an hour out of the city. Though most of the service there was not in English, we were still able to see firsthand how the Gospel transforms lives even in a place and culture so different from home! Both in churches and the seminary, many people are excited to learn and grow in their faith. These people are not content with a simplistic devotional or watered-down teaching. They want to hear the depths of God's Word!
I would appreciate prayer for the young seminary, specifically that the teaching would be profitable and God-glorifying, not remaining as abstract ideas or principles, but instead that it would be applied to the benefit of the churches throughout the region.
I would also appreciate prayer for our host. He's currently very busy, as he is teaching for the church and seminary this week and helping our team learn how to live here in the Philippines!
Attached is a photo of the church we visited as well as a couple pictures of the path we took to get there! And yes, we did drive on that trail alongside the cliff.
I would appreciate prayer for the young seminary, specifically that the teaching would be profitable and God-glorifying, not remaining as abstract ideas or principles, but instead that it would be applied to the benefit of the churches throughout the region.
I would also appreciate prayer for our host. He's currently very busy, as he is teaching for the church and seminary this week and helping our team learn how to live here in the Philippines!
Attached is a photo of the church we visited as well as a couple pictures of the path we took to get there! And yes, we did drive on that trail alongside the cliff.